Virtue preserv’d' from fell destruction's blast,
Led on by heaven, and crown'd with joy at last.
In Helicanus may you well descry
A figure of truth, of faith, and loyalty:
In reverend Cerimon there well appears,
The worth that learned charity aye wears.
For wicked Cleon and his wife, when fame
Had spread their cursed deed, the honour'd name
Of Pericles, to rage the city turn;

;
That him and his they in his palace burn.
The gods for murder seemed so contents
To punish them, although not done, but meant.
So on your patience evermore attending,
New joy wait on you! Here our play has ending.

.

THE POEMS

OF

WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE.

VENUS AND ADONIS.