THE SONNETS by William Shakespeare (153)

CLIII

    Cupid laid by his brand and fell asleep： A maid of Dian's this advantage found, And his love-kindling fire did quickly steep In a cold valley-fountain of that ground； Which borrow'd from this holy fire of Love, A dateless lively heat, still to endure, And grew a seeting bath, which yet men prove Against strange maladies a sovereign cure. But at my mistress' eye Love's brand new-fired, The boy for trial needs would touch my breast； I, sick withal, the help of bath desired, And thither¹ hied, a sad distemper'd guest, But found no cure, the bath for my help lies Where Cupid got new fire； my mistress' eyes.