The Sonnets CLIV - The little Love-god lying once asleep
By William Shakespeare
The little Love-god lying once asleep,
Laid by his side his heart-inflaming brand,
Whilst many nymphs that vowd chaste life to keep
Came tripping by; but in her maiden hand
The fairest votary took up that fire
Which many legions of true hearts had warmd;
And so the general of hot desire
Was, sleeping, by a virgin hand disarmd.
This brand she quenched in a cool well by,
Which from Loves fire took heat perpetual,
Growing a bath and healthful remedy,
For men diseasd; but I, my mistress thrall,
Came there for cure and this by that I prove,
Loves fire heats water, water cools not love.