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 diseased; but I, my mistress' thrall, Came there for cure, and this by that I prove, Love's fire heats water, water cools not love. | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...PORTRAIT IN THE HORIZONTAL by RUTH FITCH BARTLETT PSALM 54 by OLD TESTAMENT BIBLE A NEW PILGRIMAGE: 6 by WILFRID SCAWEN BLUNT THE LITTLE PLANT by KATE LOUISE BROWN IDOLS by RICHARD EUGENE BURTON |