CLIV

    The little Love-god lying once asleep, Laid by his side his heart-inflaming brand, Whilst many nymphs that vow'd chaste¹ life to keep Came tripping by； but in her maiden² hand The fairest votary³ took up that fire Which many legions of true hearts had warm'd； And so the general of hot desire Was, sleeping, by a virgin⁴ hand disarm'd. This brand she quenched⁵ 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' thrall⁶, Came there for cure and this by that I prove, Love's fire heats water, water cools not love.