ADONIS. 183 



THE ADONIS. 



Faijle tells us that Adonis stained with his blood the 

 flower that bears his name, and hence it has been made 

 the emblem of sorrowful remembrances. 



Some poets make this flower symbolical of the chase, 

 in allusion to Adonis's love of hunting. 



Then on the blood sweet nectar she bestows, 

 The scented blood in little bubbles rose : 

 Little as falling drops, which flutt'ring fly, 

 Borne by the winds along a low'ring sky. 

 Short time ensued, till where the blood was shed, 

 A flow'r began to rear its purple head. 



EUSDEN's OVID. 



On the discolour'd grass Adonis lay, 



The monster trampling o'er his beauteous prey 



^ # # # ♦ 



Yet dares not Venus with a change surprise, 

 And in a flower bid her fall'n here rise. 



17=^ 



