But when her lips were ready for his pay, he winks, and turns his lips another way

But when her lips were ready for his pay, he winks, and turns his lips another way

The line "But when her lips were ready for his pay, he winks, and turns his lips another way" is from William Shakespeare's play "Venus and Adonis." This line is spoken by Venus, the goddess of love, as she tries to seduce the handsome young Adonis. In this context, the line captures the frustration and rejection that Venus feels as Adonis rejects her advances.

Throughout the poem, Venus is portrayed as a passionate and determined lover who is captivated by Adonis's beauty. She tries to win him over with her charms and seductive words, but Adonis remains indifferent to her advances. The line "But when her lips were ready for his pay, he winks, and turns his lips another way" perfectly encapsulates the moment when Venus realizes that Adonis is not interested in her and rejects her advances.

The use of the word "pay" in this line is significant as it suggests a transactional nature to Venus's advances. She is offering her love and affection to Adonis, expecting something in return. However, Adonis's rejection of her advances by winking and turning his lips another way symbolizes his refusal to engage in this transaction. He is not interested in Venus's love and does not want to reciprocate her feelings.

This rejection deeply hurts Venus, as she is used to being adored and desired by all. The fact that Adonis, the object of her desire, does not return her affections wounds her pride and leaves her feeling vulnerable and rejected. The line captures the moment of realization for Venus that Adonis will never love her back, no matter how much she desires him.