THE SONNETS by William Shakespeare (154)

  CLIV

    The little Love-god lying once asleep, Laid by his side his heart-inflaming brand, Whilst many nymphs that vow'd 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 warm'd； And so the general of hot desire Was, sleeping, by a virgin hand disarm'd. This brand she quenched in a cool well by, Which from Love's fire took heat perpetual, Growing a bath and healthful remedy, For men diseas'd； but I, my mistress' thrall, Came there for cure and this by that I prove, Love's fire heats water, water cools not love.