the metaphor comes undoubtedly near the truth. With growing passion, kisses become mad and violent:
Thy ruby lips, they kissed so wild,
So madly, so soul-disturbing;
and such kisses leave marks behind them. Aarestrup's mistress has beautiful plump shoulders:
They curve, as of a goddess,
So naked and so bold.
I'll brand your comely shoulders,
Such guerdon have they earned!
Look where my lips enfevered
Have scars of crimson burned.
Hafiz' mistress is afraid that "his too hot kisses will char her delicate lips." With continually increasing desire kisses grow more and more voluptuous, and assume forms which have been celebrated by poets of antiquity and the Renaissance. Many burning, erotic verses have been composed on the subject columbatim labra conserere, or kissing as doves kiss.
