Sonnet 154

[Renato]

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 diseased; but I, my mistress thrall,
Came there for cure, and this by that I prove,
Loves fire heats water, water cools not love.