Classic Poem

The Queen of Paphos, Erycine,
In heart did rose-cheek'd Adon love,
He mortal was but she divine,
And oft with kisses did him move;
With great gifts still she did him woo,
But he would never yield thereto.

Then since the Queen of Love by Love
To love was once a subject made,
And could thereof no pleasure prove,
By day, by night, by light or shade,
Why being mortal should I grieve,
Since she herself could not relieve?

She was a goddess heavenly,
And lov'd a fair fac'd earthly boy,
Who did contemn her deity,
And would not grant her hope of joy,
For Love doth govern by a fate,
That here plants will, and there leaves hate.

But I a hapless mortal wight,
To an immortal beauty sue;
No marvel then she loathes my sight,
Since Adon Venus would not woo,
Hence, groaning sighs, mirth be my friend
Before my life, my love shall end.