THE KISS IN DRAMATIC LITERATURE.
Reading edition
SELECTIONS FROM SHAKSPEARE.
So full of valor that they smote the air For breathing in their faces; beat the ground For kissing of their feet; yet always bending Towards their project. Tempest, iv. 1.
Fie, fie! how wayward is this foolish love, That, like a testy babe, will scratch the nurse, And presently, all humbled, kiss the rod. Two Gentlemen of Verona, i. 2.
Why, then we’ll make exchange; here, take you this, And seal the bargain with a holy kiss. Two Gentlemen of Verona, ii. 2.
She shall be dignified with this high honor,— To bear my lady’s train; lest the base earth Should from her vesture chance to steal a kiss. Two Gentlemen of Verona, ii. 4.
The current that with gentle murmur glides, Thou know’st, being stopped, impatiently doth rage; But, when his fair course is not hindered, He makes sweet music with th’ enameled stones, Giving a gentle kiss to every sedge He overtaketh in his pilgrimage. Two Gentlemen of Verona, ii. 7.
Falstaff. Her husband, dwelling in a continual ’larum of jealousy, comes me in the instant of our encounter, after we had embraced, kissed, protested, and, as it were, spoke the prologue of our comedy.
Merry Wives, iii. 5.
What is love? ’tis not hereafter; Present mirth hath present laughter; What’s to come is still unsure: In delay there lies no plenty; Then come kiss me, sweet-and-twenty, Youth’s a stuff will not endure. Twelfth Night, ii. 3.
Take, oh, take those lips away, That so sweetly were forsworn; And those eyes, the break of day, Lights that do mislead the morn: But my kisses bring again, Seals of love, but sealed in vain. Measure for Measure, ii. 1.
Benedict. Only foul words; and thereupon I will kiss thee.
Beatrice. Foul words is but foul wind, and foul wind is but foul breath, and foul breath is noisome; therefore I will depart unkissed.
Much Ado, v. 2.
To what, my love, shall I compare thine eyne? Crystal is muddy. Oh, how ripe in show Thy lips, those kissing cherries, tempting grow! That pure congealèd white, high Taurus’ snow, Fanned with the eastern wind, turns to a crow When thou hold’st up thy hand: Oh, let me kiss This princess of pure white, this seal of bliss! Midsummer Night’s Dream, iii. 2.
So sweet a kiss the golden sun gives not To those fresh morning drops upon the rose, As thy eye-beams, when their fresh rays have smote The night of dew that on my cheeks down flows. Love’s Labor Lost, iv. 3.
Why, this is he That kissed away his hand in courtesy; ——the ladies call him, sweet; The stairs, as he treads on them, kiss his feet. Love’s Labor Lost, v. 2.
Why, that’s the lady; all the world desires her; From the four corners of the earth they come, To kiss this shrine, this mortal breathing saint. Merchant of Venice, ii. 7.
Some there be that shadows kiss; Some have but a shadow’s bliss. Merchant of Venice, ii. 9.
The moon shines bright. In such a night as this, When the sweet wind did gently kiss the trees, And they did make no noise—— Merchant of Venice, v. 1.
If you be well pleased with this, And hold your fortune for your bliss, Turn you where your lady is, And claim her with a loving kiss. Merchant of Venice, iii. 2.
Rosalind. His very hair is of the dissembling color.
Celia. Something browner than Judas’: marry, his kisses are Judas’ own children.
R. I’ faith, his hair is of a good color.
C. An excellent color: your chestnut was ever the only color.
R. And his kissing is as full of sanctity as the touch of holy bread.
C. He hath bought a pair of cast lips of Diana: a nun of winter’s sisterhood kisses not more religiously; the very ice of chastity is in them.
As You Like It, iii. 4.
Rosalind. Come, woo me, woo me; for now I am in a holiday humor, and like enough to consent. What would you say to me now, an I were your very very Rosalind?
Orlando. I would kiss before I spoke.
R. Nay, you were better speak first; and when you were gravelled for lack of matter, you might take occasion to kiss. Very good orators, when they are out, they will spit; and for lovers, lacking (God warn us) matter, the cleanliest shift is to kiss.
O. How if the kiss be denied?
R. Then she puts you to entreaty, and there begins new matter.
As You Like It, iv. 1.
Clown. He that comforts my wife is the nourisher of my flesh and blood; he that cherishes my flesh and blood loves my flesh and blood; he that loves my flesh and blood is my friend: ergo, he that kisses my wife is my friend.
All’s Well that Ends Well, i. 3.
Helena. I would not tell you what I would. My lord—’faith, yes;— Strangers and foes do sunder, and not kiss. All’s Well that Ends Well, ii. 5.
I saw sweet beauty in her face, Such as the daughter of Agenor had, That made great Jove to humble him to her hand, When with his knees he kissed the Cretan strand. Taming of the Shrew, i. 1.
Petruchio. I tell you, ’tis incredible to believe How much she loves me. Oh, the kindest Kate!— She hung about my neck; and kiss on kiss She vied so fast, protesting oath on oath, That in a twink, she won me to her love. Taming of the Shrew, ii. 1.
Gremio. This done, he took the bride about the neck, And kissed her lips with such a clamorous smack, That, at the parting, all the church did echo. Taming of the Shrew, iii. 2.
Petruchio. First kiss me, Kate, and we will. Katharine. What, in the midst of the street? P. What, art thou ashamed of me? K. No sir; God forbid:—but ashamed to kiss. P. Why, then let’s home again. Come, sirrah, let’s away. K. Nay, I will give thee a kiss: now pray thee, love, stay. Taming of the Shrew, v. 1.
Never gazed the moon Upon the water, as he’ll stand, and read, As ’twere, my daughter’s eyes; and, to be plain, I think there is not half a kiss to choose Who loves another best. Winter’s Tale, iv. 3.
Never saw I Wretches so quake: they kneel, they kiss the earth. Winter’s Tale, v. 1.
Leontes. You are married? Florizel. We are not, sir, nor are we like to be; The stars, I see, will kiss the valleys first. Winter’s Tale, v. 1.
Perdita. Do not say ’tis superstition that I kneel, and then implore her blessing. Lady, Dear queen, that ended when I but began; Give me that hand of yours to kiss. Paulina. Oh, patience; The statue is but newly fixed, the color’s Not dry.[19] ... Leontes. There is an air comes from her. What fine chisel Could ever yet cut breath? Let no man mock me, For I will kiss her. Paulina. Good my lord, forbear: The ruddiness upon her lip is wet; You’ll mar it if you kiss it; stain your own With oily painting. Winter’s Tale, v. 3.
Is it night’s predominance, or the day’s shame, That darkness does the face of earth entomb, When living light should kiss it? Macbeth, ii. 4.
Macbeth. I’ll not yield To kiss the ground before young Malcolm’s feet, And to be baited with the rabble’s curse. Macbeth, v. 7.
Upon thy cheek lay I this zealous kiss, As seal to this indenture of my love. King John, ii. 1.
Fortune shall cull forth Out of one side her happy minion; To whom in favor she shall give the day, And kiss him with a glorious victory. King John, ii. 2.
Nor let my kingdom’s rivers take their course Through my burned bosom; nor entreat the north To make his bleak winds kiss my parchèd lips, And comfort me with cold. King John, v. 6.
(Richard to Bolingbroke, kneeling.)
Fair cousin, you debase your princely knee, To make the base earth proud with kissing it. Richard II., iii. 3.
(Richard to the Queen.)
Let me unkiss the oath ’twixt thee and me; And yet not so, for with a kiss ’twas made.[20] ... Come, come, in wooing sorrow let’s be brief, Since, wedding it, there is such length in grief. One kiss shall stop our mouths, and dumbly part: Thus give I mine, and thus I take thy heart. [They kiss. Queen. Give me mine own again; ’twere no good part, To take on me to keep, and kill thy heart. [Kiss again. So now I have mine own again, begone, That I may strive to kill it with a groan. Richard II., v. 1.
I understand thy kisses, and thou mine, And that’s a feeling disputation. 1 Henry IV., ii. 2.
Falstaff. Thou dost give me flattering busses. Doll. Nay, truly: I kiss thee with a most constant heart. 2 Henry IV., ii. 4.
Pistol. Touch her soft mouth, and march. Bardolph. Farewell, hostess. [Kissing her. Nym. I cannot kiss, that is the humor of it; but adieu. Henry V., ii. 4.
I kiss his dirty shoe, and from my heart-strings I love the lovely bully. Henry V., iv. 1.
King Henry. Katharine, break thy mind to me in broken English. Wilt thou have me?
Katharine. Dat is, as it shall please de roy mon pere.
Hen. Nay, it will please him well, Kate; it shall please him, Kate.
Kath. Den it shall also content me.
Hen. Upon that I will kiss your hand, and I call you—my queen.
Kath. Laissez, mon seigneur, laissez, laissez: ma foy, je ne veux point que vous abaissez vostre grandeur en baisant la main d’un vostre indigne serviteure; excusez moy, je vous supplie, mon tres puissant seigneur.
Hen. Then I will kiss your lips, Kate.
Kath. Les dames, et damoiselles, pour estre baisées devant leur nopces, il n’est pas le coutume de France.
Hen. Madam my interpreter, what says she?
Alice. Dat it is not de fashion pour les ladies of France,—I cannot tell what is, baiser, en English.
Hen. To kiss.
Alice. Your majesty entendre bettre que moy.
Hen. It is not the fashion for the maids in France to kiss before they are married, would she say?
Alice. Ouy, vrayment.
Hen. O Kate, nice customs curtsey to great kings. Dear Kate, you and I cannot be confined within the weak list of a country’s fashion; we are the makers of manners, Kate; and the liberty that follows our places stops the mouths of all find-faults, as I will do yours, for upholding the nice fashion of your country, in denying me a kiss: therefore, patiently, and yielding [kissing her]. You have witchcraft in your lips, Kate; there is more eloquence in the sugar touch of them than in the tongues of the French council, and they should sooner persuade Harry of England than a general petition of monarchs.
Henry V., v. 2.
Mortimer. Direct mine arms, I may embrace his neck, And in his bosom spend my latter gasp; Oh, tell me, when my lips do touch his cheeks, That I may kindly give one fainting kiss. 1 Henry VI., ii. 5.
(Suffolk to Lady Margaret.)
Be what thou wilt, thou art my prisoner. O fairest beauty, do not fear, nor fly; For I will touch thee but with reverent hands, And lay them gently on thy tender side. I kiss these fingers [kisses her hand] for eternal peace. 1 Henry VI., v. 3.
King Henry. Welcome, Queen Margaret; I can express no kinder sign of love, Than this kind kiss. 2 Henry VI., i. 1.
(Queen Margaret to Suffolk, kissing his hand.)
Oh, could this kiss be printed in thy hand, That thou mightst think upon these by the seal, Through whom a thousand sighs are breathed for thee![21] ... Oh, go not yet! Even thus two friends condemned Embrace, and kiss, and take ten thousand leaves. 2 Henry VI., iii. 2.
And that I love the tree from whence thou sprang’st, Witness the loving kiss I give the fruit. [Aside.] To say the truth, so Judas kissed his master; And cried, all hail! when as he meant all harm. 3 Henry VI., v. 7.
Teach not thy lip such scorn; for it was made For kissing, lady, not for such contempt. Richard III., i. 2.
Their lips were four red roses on a stalk, Which, in their summer beauty, kissed each other. Richard III., iv. 3.
(Henry VIII. to Anne Bullen, after the dance.)
Sweetheart, I were unmannerly, to take you out, And not to kiss you.[22] Henry VIII., i. 4.
The hearts of princes kiss obedience, So much they love it. Henry VIII., iii. 1.
Cressida. My lord, I do beseech you pardon me; ’Twas not my purpose, thus to beg a kiss: I am ashamed,—Oh, heavens! what have I done? Troilus and Cressida, iii. 2.
As many farewells as the stars in heaven, With distinct breath and consigned kisses to them, He fumbles up into a loose adieu; And scants us with a single famished kiss, Distasted with the salt of broken tears. Troilus and Cressida, iv. 4.
(Headquarters of the Grecian camp. Enter Diomed with Cressida.)
Agamemnon. Is this the lady Cressid? Diomed. Even she. Agam. Most dearly welcome to the Greeks, sweet lady. Nestor. Our general doth salute you with a kiss. Ulysses. Yet is the kindness but particular; ’Twere better she were kissed in general. Nest. And very courtly counsel: I’ll begin.— So much for Nestor. Achilles. I’ll take that winter from your lips, fair lady: Achilles bids you welcome. Menelaus. I had good argument for kissing once. Patroclus. But that’s no argument for kissing now. ... The first was Menelaus’ kiss;—this, mine; Patroclus kisses you. Men. Oh, this is trim! Patr. Paris and I kiss evermore for him. Men. I’ll have my kiss, sir:—Lady, by your leave. Cressida. In kissing, do you render or receive?[23] Patr. Both take and give. Cres. I’ll make my match to live. The kiss you take is better than you give; Therefore no kiss. Men. I’ll give you boot, I’ll give you three for one. Cres. You’re an odd man; give even or give none. ... Ulyss. May I, sweet lady, beg a kiss of you? Cres. You may. Ulyss. I do desire it. Cres. Why, beg, then. Ulyss. Why, then, for Venus’ sake, give me a kiss When Helen is a maid again and his. Cres. I am your debtor, claim it when ’tis due. Ulyss. Never’s my day, and then a kiss of you. Troilus and Cressida, iv. 5.
(Cressida to Diomed.)
Thy master now lies thinking in his bed Of thee, and me; and sighs, and takes my glove, And gives memorial dainty kisses to it, As I kiss thee. Troilus and Cressida, v. 2.
(Timon, looking on the gold.)
Thou ever young, fresh, loved, and delicate wooer, Whose blush doth thaw the consecrated snow That lies on Dian’s lap! thou visible god, That solder’st close impossibilities, And mak’st them kiss! Timon of Athens, iv. 3.
Oh, a kiss Long as my exile, sweet as my revenge! Now, by the jealous queen of heaven, that kiss I carried from thee, dear; and my true lip Hath virgined it e’er since. Coriolanus, v. 3.
Go, go, good countrymen, and, for this fault, Assemble all the poor men of your sort; Draw them to Tiber banks, and weep your tears Into the channel, till the lowest stream Do kiss the most exalted shores of all. Julius Cæsar, i. 1.
Let but the commons hear his testament, And they would go and kiss dead Cæsar’s wounds, And dip their napkins in his sacred blood. Julius Cæsar, iii. 2.
Last thing he did, dear queen, He kissed—the last of many doubled kisses— This orient pearl. Antony and Cleopatra, i. 5.
(Cleopatra to Messenger.)
If thou so yield him, there is gold, and here My bluest veins to kiss; a hand, that kings Have lipped, and trembled kissing. Antony and Cleopatra, ii. 5.
We have kissed away Kingdoms and provinces. Antony and Cleopatra, iii. 8.
Antony. Fare thee well, dame, whate’er becomes of me: This is a soldier’s kiss; rebukable, And worthy shameful check it were, to stand On more mechanic compliment. Antony and Cleopatra, iv. 4.
Antony. I am dying, Egypt, dying; only I here importune death awhile, until Of many thousand kisses the poor last I lay upon thy lips. ... Cleopatra. And welcome, welcome! die, where thou hast lived: Quicken with kissing; had my lips that power, Thus would I wear them out. Antony and Cleopatra, iv. 13.
Cleopatra. Come, then, and take the last warmth of my lips. ... If she first meet the curlèd Antony, He’ll make demand of her; and spend that kiss, Which is my heaven to have. Antony and Cleopatra, v. 2.
Imogene. Then waved his handkerchief? Pisanio. And kissed it, madam. Imogene. Senseless linen! happier therein than I! Cymbeline, i. 4.
Ere I could Give him that parting kiss, which I had set Betwixt two charming words, comes in my father, And, like the tyrannous breathing of the north, Shakes all our buds from growing. Cymbeline, i. 4.
Cytherea, How bravely thou becom’st thy bed! fresh lily! And whiter than the sheets! That I might touch! But kiss; one kiss! Rubies unparagoned, How dearly they do’t!—’tis her breathing that Perfumes the chamber thus. Cymbeline, ii. 2.
Imogene. Last night ’twas on mine arm; I kissed it; I hope it be not gone to tell my lord That I kiss aught but he. Cymbeline, ii. 3.
Oh, had the monster seen those lily hands Tremble, like aspen leaves, upon a lute, And make the silken strings delight to kiss them, He would not then have touched them for his life. Titus Andronicus, ii. 5.
Thou know’st this, ’Tis time to fear when tyrants seem to kiss. Pericles, i. 2.
A city on whom plenty held full hand, Whose towers bore heads so high, they kissed the clouds. Pericles, i. 4.
Gloster. Oh, let me kiss that hand! Lear. Let me wipe it first; it smells of mortality. King Lear, iv. 6.
Cordelia. Oh, my dear father! Restoration, hang Thy medicine on my lips; and let this kiss Repair those violent harms, that my two sisters Have in thy reverence made. King Lear, iv. 7.
These happy masks that kiss fair ladies’ brows. Romeo and Juliet, i. 1.
And in this state she[24] gallops night by night ... O’er ladies’ lips, who straight on kisses dream; Which oft the angry Mab with blisters plagues, Because their breaths with sweetmeats tainted are.[25] Romeo and Juliet, i. 4.
Romeo. If I profane with my unworthy hand This holy shrine, the gentle fine is this,— My lips, two blushing pilgrims, ready stand To smooth that rough touch with a tender kiss. Juliet. Good pilgrim, you do wrong your hand too much, Which mannerly devotion shows in this; For saints have hands that pilgrims’ hands do touch, And palm to palm is holy palmers’ kiss. Romeo. Have not saints lips, and holy palmers too? Juliet. Ay, pilgrim, lips that they must use in prayer. Romeo. Oh, then, dear saint, let lips do what hands do; They pray, grant thou, lest faith turn to despair. Juliet. Saints do not move, though grant for prayers’ sake. Romeo. Then move not, while my prayer’s effect I take. Thus from my lips, by thine, my sin is purged. (Kissing her.)[26] Juliet. Then have my lips the sin that they have took. Romeo. Sin from my lips? Oh, trespass sweetly urged! Give me my sin again. Juliet. You kiss by the book. Romeo and Juliet, i. 5.
Oh that I were a glove upon that hand, That I might touch that cheek! Romeo and Juliet, ii. 2.
These violent delights have violent ends, And in their triumph die! like fire and powder, Which, as they kiss, consume. Romeo and Juliet, ii. 6.
They may seize On the white wonder of dear Juliet’s hand, And steal immortal blessings from her lips; Who, even in pure and vestal modesty, Still blush as thinking their own kisses sin. Romeo and Juliet, iii. 3.
Romeo. Eyes, look your last! Arms, take your last embrace! and lips, O you The doors of breath, seal with a righteous kiss, A dateless bargain to engrossing death. Romeo and Juliet, v. 3.
Juliet. Drink all, and leave no friendly drop, To help me after?—I will kiss thy lips; Haply, some poison yet doth hang on them, To make me die with a restorative. Romeo and Juliet, v. 3.
Alas, poor Yorick!... Here hung those lips that I have kissed I know not how oft.
Hamlet, v. 1.
Iago. Very good; well kissed! an excellent courtesy. Othello, ii. 1.
Emilia. This was her first remembrance[27] from the Moor. My wayward husband hath a hundred times Wooed me to steal it; but she so loves the token, That she reserves it evermore about her, To kiss, and talk to. Othello, iii. 3.
Othello. I found not Cassio’s kisses on her lips; He that is robbed, not wanting what is stolen, Let him not know it, and he’s not robbed at all. Othello, iii. 3.
Iago. One of this kind is Cassio: In sleep I heard him say, “Sweet Desdemona, Let us be wary, let us hide our loves!” And then, sir, would he gripe, and wring my hand, Cry, “Oh, sweet creature!” and then kiss me hard, As if he plucked up kisses by the roots, That grew upon my lips. Othello, iii. 3.
Othello. I kissed thee ere I killed thee,—no way but this, Killing myself, to die upon a kiss. Othello, v. 2.
BEN JONSON.
Their lips were sealed with kisses, and the voice, Drowned in a flood of joy at their arrival, Had lost her motion, state, and faculty. Every Man in his Humor, iii. 3.
Oh, sweet Fastidious! Oh, fine courtier! How comely he bows him in his courtesy! how full he hits a woman between the lips when he kisses!
Every Man out of his Humor, iv. 1.
Hedon. You know I call madam Philautia my Honor; and she calls me her Ambition. Now, when I meet her in the presence anon, I will come to her, and say, Sweet Honor, I have hitherto contented my sense with the lilies of your hand, but now I will taste the roses of your lip; and, withal, kiss her: to which she cannot but blushingly answer, Nay, now you are too ambitious. And then do I reply: I cannot be too Ambitious of Honor, sweet lady. Will’t not be good? ha? ha?
Anaides. Oh, assure your soul.
Hedon. By heaven, I think ’twill be excellent; and a very politic achievement of a kiss.
Cynthia’s Revels, ii. 1.
He that had the grace to print a kiss on those lips should taste wine and rose-leaves. Oh, she kisses as close as a cockle.
Cynthia’s Revels, v. 2.
Your city ladies, you shall have them sit in every shop, like the muses, offering you the Castalian dews and the Thespian liquors to as many as have but the sweet grace and audacity to—sip of their lips.
Poetaster, iii. 1.
A beauty ripe as harvest, Whose skin is whiter than a swan all over, Than silver, snow, or lilies! A soft lip, Would tempt you to eternity of kissing. Fox, i. 1.
Praise them, flatter them, you shall never want eloquence or trust: even the chastest delight to feel themselves that way rubbed. With praises you must mix kisses too; if they take them, they’ll take more,—though they strive, they would be overcome.
Silent Woman, iv. 1.
Face. This is the noble knight, I told your ladyship—— Mammon. Madam, with your pardon, I kiss your vesture. Dol. Sir, I were uncivil If I would suffer that; my lip to you, sir. Alchemist, iv. 1.
Subtle. I cry this lady mercy; she should first Have been saluted. [Kisses her.] I do call you lady, Because you are to be one ere ’t be long, My soft and buxom widow. Kastril. Is she, i’ faith? Sub. Yes, or my art is an egregious liar. Kas. How know you? Sub. By inspection on her forehead And subtlety of her lip, which must be tasted Often, to make a judgment. Alchemist, iv. 1.
Beaufort. Then I have read somewhere that man and woman Were, in the first creation, both one piece, And, being cleft asunder, ever since Love was an appetite to be rejoined, As for example—[Kisses Lætitia. New Inn, iii. 2.
Prudence. The hour is come; your kiss. Lady F. My servant’s song, first. Prudence. I say the kiss, first; and I so enjoined it. At your own peril, do, make the contempt. Lady F. Well, sir, you must be paid, and legally.
[Kisses Lovel.
Prudence. Nay, nothing, sir, beyond. Lovel. One more—I except. This was but half a kiss, and I would change it. Prudence. The court’s dissolved, removed, and the play ended. No sound or air of love more; I decree it. New Inn, iv. 3.
Marian. You are a wanton. Robin Hood. One, I do confess, I want-ed till you came; but now I have you I’ll grow to your embraces till two souls, Distillèd into kisses through our lips, Do make one spirit of love. Sad Shepherd, i. 2.
She that will but now discover Where the wingèd wag doth hover Shall to-night receive a kiss, How or where herself would wish; But who brings him to his mother Shall have that kiss and another. Hue and Cry after Cupid.
BEAUMONT AND FLETCHER.
Kiss you at first, my lord! ’tis no fair fashion; Our lips are like rose-buds: blown with men’s breaths, They lose both sap and savor. Mad Lover.
Guiomar. You sent this letter? Rutilio. My boldness makes me blush now. Guiomar. I’ll wipe off that; And with this kiss I take you for my husband. Your wooing’s done, sir; I believe you love me, And that’s the wealth I look for now. Custom of the Country.
My charity shall go along with thee, Though my embraces must be far from thee. I should have killed thee, but this sweet repentance Locks up my vengeance; for which thus I kiss thee, The last kiss we must take! And would to Heaven The holy priest that gave our hands together Had given us equal virtues. Maid’s Tragedy.
Duke. Didst thou ne’er wish, Olympia, It might be thus? Olympia. A thousand times. Duke. Here, take him! Nay, do not blush; I do not jest; kiss sweetly. Boy, you kiss faintly, boy. Heaven give ye comfort! Teach him,—he’ll quickly learn. There’s two hearts eased now. Loyal Subject.
Eros. While you were honest I loved you too. Septimius. Honest? Come, pr’ythee kiss me. Eros. I kiss no knaves, no murderers, no beasts, No base betrayers of those men that fed ’em; I hate their looks; and, though I may be wanton, I scorn to nourish it with bloody purchase. False One.
Cleopatra. [To Cæsar.] I stood slighted, Forgotten and contemned; my soft embraces, And those sweet kisses you called Elysium, As letters writ in sand, no more remembered. False One.
Sceva. [To Cæsar.] Whilst you are secure here, And offer hecatombs of lazy kisses To the lewd god of love and cowardice, And most lasciviously die in delights, You are begirt with the fierce Alexandrians. False One.
Come, friends, and kill me. Cæsar, be kind, and send a thousand swords; The more the greater is my fall. Why stay ye? Come, and I’ll kiss your weapons. Valentinian.
Oh, my heart! How have I longed to meet you, how to kiss Those lily hands, how to receive the bliss That charming tongue gives to the happy ear Of him that drinks your language! Faithful Shepherdess.
I am not bashful, virgin; I can please At first encounter, hug thee in mine arm, And give thee many kisses, soft and warm As those the sun prints on the smiling cheek Of plums or mellow peaches. Faithful Shepherdess.
LILLY.
Cupid and my Campaspe played At cards for kisses; Cupid paid: He stakes his quiver, bow, and arrows, His mother’s doves, and team of sparrows,— Loses them too; then down he throws The coral of his lip, the rose Growing on’s cheek (but none knows how), With these the crystal of his brow, And then the dimple on his chin: All these did my Campaspe win. At last he set her both his eyes: She won, and Cupid blind did rise. O Love! has she done this to thee? What shall, alas! become of me? Alexander and Campaspe.
MARLOWE.
Was this the face that launched a thousand ships, And burnt the topmost towers of Ilium? Sweet Helen, make me immortal with a kiss. Her lips suck forth my soul: see, where it flies! Faustus.
MARSTON.
She comes like—oh, no simile Is precious, choice, or elegant enough To illustrate her descent; leap, heart, she comes,— She comes! smile, heaven, and, softest southern wind, Kiss her cheek gently with perfumèd breath. She comes; creation’s purity, admired, Adored, amazing rarity,—she comes! ... Mount, blood, soul, to my lips, taste Hebe’s cup; Stand firm on deck, when beauty’s close fight’s up. Antonio and Mellida.
If thou knew’st my happiness, Thou wouldst even grate away thy soul to dust In envy of my sweet beatitude: I cannot sleep for kisses; I cannot rest For ladies’ letters that importune me With such unusèd vehemence of love, Straight to solicit them, that— Antonio and Mellida.
MASSINGER.
May I taste The nectar of her lip? I do not give it The praise it merits: antiquity is too poor To help me with a simile to express her: Let me drink often from this living spring, To nourish new invention. Emperor of the East.
Sforza. Can any act, though ne’er so loose, that may Invite or heighten appetite, appear Immodest or uncomely? Do not move me; My passions to you are in extremes, And know no bounds:—come, kiss me. Marcelia. I obey you. Sforza. By all the joys of love, she does salute me As if I were her grandfather! What witch, With cursèd spells, hath quenched the amorous heat That lived upon these lips? Tell me, Marcelia, And truly tell me, is’t a fault of mine That hath begot this coldness? Duke of Milan.
Francisco. [Preserving the dead body of Marcelia.] Your ladyship looks pale; But I, your doctor, have a ceruse for you. See, my Eugenia, how many faces That are adored in court, borrow these helps, [Paints the cheeks. And pass for excellence, when the better part Of them are like to this. Your mouth smells sour, too, But here is that shall take away the scent, A precious antidote old ladies use When they would kiss, knowing their gums are rotten. [Paints the lips. These hands, too, that disdained to take a touch From any lip whose owner writ not lord, Are now but as the coarsest earth. Duke of Milan.
Lovell. If then you may be won to make me happy, But join your lips to mine, and that shall be A solemn contract. Lady Allworthy. I were blind to my own good Should I refuse it [kisses him]; yet, my lord, receive me As such a one, the study of whose whole life Shall know no other object but to please you. New Way to Pay Old Debts.
FORD.
She never used, my lord, A second means, but kissed the letter first, O’erlooked the superscription, then let fall Some amorous drops, kissed it again, talked to it Twenty times over, set it to her mouth, Then gave it to me, then snatched it back again, Then cried, “Oh, my poor heart!” and, in an instant, “Commend my truth and secrecy.” Such medley Of passion yet I never saw in woman. Lady’s Trial.
Piero. Does not yourself know, lady? Amoretta. I do not uthe To thpen lip-labor upon quethtionths That I mythelf can anthwer. Futelli. No, sweet madam, Your lips are destined to a better use, Or else the proverb fails of lisping maids. Amoretta. Kithing you mean; pray come behind with Your mockths then, My lipth will therve the one to kith the other. Lady’s Trial.
HEYWOOD.
The path of pleasure, and the gate to bliss, Which on your lips I knock at with a kiss. Woman Killed with Kindness.
My wife, the mother to my pretty babes! Both those lost names I do restore thee back, And with this kiss I wed thee once again. Though thou art wounded in thy honored name, And with that grief upon thy death-bed liest, Honest in heart, upon my soul, thou diest. Woman Killed with Kindness.
SHIRLEY.
I’m disinherited, thrown out of all, But the small earth I borrow, thus to walk on; And, having nothing left, I come to kiss thee, And take my everlasting leave of thee, too. Farewell! this will persuade thee to consent To my eternal absence. The Brothers.
DRYDEN.
She brought her cheek up close, and leaned on his; At which he whispered kisses back on hers. All for Love.
Oh, let me live forever on those lips! The nectar of the gods to these is tasteless. Amphytrion.
OTWAY.
He scarce afforded one kind parting word, But went away so cold, the kiss he gave me Seemed the forced compliment of sated love. Orphan.
Belvidera. (To Jaffier.) I’ll make this arm a pillow for thine head, And, as thou sighing liest, and swelled with sorrow, Creep to thy bosom, pour the balm of love Into thy soul, and kiss thee to thy rest; Then praise our God, and watch thee till the morning. Venice Preserved.
LANSDOWNE.
The kiss you take is paid by that you give: The joy is mutual, and I’m still in debt. Heroic Love.
GOLDSMITH.
Marlow. To guess at this distance, you can’t be much above forty. [Approaching.] Yet nearer, I don’t think so much. [Approaching.] By coming close to some women, they look younger still; but when we come very close indeed—[Attempting to kiss her.]
Miss Hardcastle. Pray, sir, keep your distance. One would think you wanted to know one’s age as they do horses, by mark of mouth.
She Stoops to Conquer.
KNOWLES.
There may you read in him how love would seem Most humble when most bold,—you question which Appears to kiss her hand,—his breath or lips! Hunchback.
Modus. You’ve questioned me, and now I’ll question you. Helen. What would you learn? Mod. The use of lips? Hel. To speak. Mod. Naught else? Hel. “How bold my modest cousin grows!” Why, other use know you? Mod. I do. Hel. Indeed! You’re wondrous wise! And, pray, what is it? Mod. This. [Attempts to kiss her.] Hel. Soft! My hand thanks you, cousin; for my lips, I keep them for a husband! Nay, stand off! I’ll not be held in manacles again. Hunchback.
SCHILLER.
Countess. Doors creaked and clapped; I followed panting, but could not o’ertake thee; When on a sudden did I feel myself Grasped from behind,—the hand was cold that grasped me. ’Twas thou, and thou didst kiss me, and there seemed A crimson covering to envelop us. Wallenstein. That is the crimson tapestry of my chamber. Wallenstein.
GOETHE.
Oh, hear me, look upon me, how my heart After long desolation now unfolds Unto this new delight, to kiss thy head, Thou dearest, dearest one of all on earth, To clasp thee with my arms, which were but thrown On the void winds before. Iphigenia.
ALFIERI.
O children! O my children! to my soul Your innocent words and kisses are as darts That pierce it to the quick. Alcestis.
LONGFELLOW.
Victorian. Since yesterday I’ve been in Alcala. Ere long the time will come, sweet Preciosa, When that dull distance shall no more divide us, And I no more shall scale thy wall by night To steal a kiss from thee, as I do now. Preciosa. An honest thief, to steal but what thou givest. Spanish Student.
BULWER-LYTTON.
Melnotte. I hold her in these arms—the last embrace! Never, ah, nevermore shall this dear head Be pillowed on the heart that should have sheltered And has betrayed! Soft—soft! one kiss—poor wretch! No scorn on that pale lip forbids me now! One kiss—so ends all record of my crime! It is the seal upon the tomb of Hope, By which, like some lost, sorrowing angel, sits Sad Memory evermore. Lady of Lyons.
De Mauprat. [To Julie, kissing her hand.] Ay; With my whole heart I love you!— [To De Beringhen.] Now, sir, go, And tell that to his Majesty! Who ever Heard of its being a state-offence to kiss The hand of one’s own wife? Richelieu.
TALFOURD.
The widow of the moment fix her gaze Of longing, speechless love upon her babe, The only living thing which yet was hers, Spreading its arms for its own resting-place, Yet with attenuated hand wave off The unstricken child, and so embraceless die, Stifling the mighty hunger of the heart. Ion.
She scarcely raised Her head, until her work—a bridal robe— Hung dazzling on her arm; as then she sought Her chamber, I impressed one solemn kiss Upon her icy brow: then, as aroused From stupor by poor sympathy, she threw Her arms around my neck; and, whispering low, But piercingly, conjured me to keep watch Upon her thinkings, lest one erring wish Should rise to mar her duty to her lord. Glencoe.
MISS MITFORD.
He used to call me child, His dearest child; and when I grasped his hand Would hold me from him with a long fond gaze, And stroke my hair, and kiss my brow, and bid Heaven bless his sweet Camilla! And to-night Nought but to bed! to bed! Foscari.
King. [To Cromwell.] Sir, Thou seest me with my children. Doth thine errand Demand their absence? Cromwell. No. I sent them to thee In Christian charity. Thou hast not fallen Among the heathen! King. Howsoever sent, It was a royal boon. My heart hath ached With the vain agony of longing love To look upon those blooming cheeks, to kiss Those red and innocent lips, to hear the sound Of those dear voices. Charles the First.
PROCTER.
Oh, Isidora, where— Where are you loitering now when Guido’s here? By the bright god of love, I’ll punish you, Idler, and press your rich red lips until The color flies. Mirandola.
MRS. BROWNING.
[Eve to Adam.] Because I comprehend This human love, I shall not be afraid Of any human death; and yet because I know this strength of love, I seem to know Death’s strength by that same sign. Kiss on my lips, To shut the door close on my rising soul, Lest it pass outward in astonishment, And leave thee lonely. Drama of Exile.
Adam. A child’s kiss Set on thy sighing lips shall make thee glad— ... Thy hand, which plucked the apple, I clasp close; Thy lips, which spake wrong counsel, I kiss close. Drama of Exile.
TENNYSON.
Milkmaid. [Singing without.] Shame upon you, Robin, Shame upon you now! Kiss me would you? with my hands Milking the cow? Daisies grow again, Kingcups blow again, And you came and kissed me milking the cow. Robin came behind me, Kissed me well, I vow; Cuff him could I? with my hands Milking the cow? Swallows fly again, Cuckoos cry again, And you came and kissed me milking the cow. Come, Robin, Robin, Come and kiss me now: Help it can I? with my hands Milking the cow? Ringdoves coo again, All things woo again, Come behind and kiss me milking the cow. Queen Mary.
