Internet Shakespeare Editions

About this text

  • Title: The Sonnets (Modern)
  • Editor: Michael Best

  • Copyright Internet Shakespeare Editions. This text may be freely used for educational, non-proift purposes; for all other uses contact the Coordinating Editor.
    Author: William Shakespeare
    Editor: Michael Best
    Not Peer Reviewed

    The Sonnets (Modern)

    154
    The little love-god lying once asleep,
    Laid by his side his heart-inflaming brand,
    Whilst many nymphs that vowed chaste life to keep
    2300Came tripping by, but in her maiden hand
    The fairest votary took up that fire
    Which many legions of true hearts had warmed;
    And so the general of hot desire
    Was, sleeping, by a virgin hand disarmed.
    2305This 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:
    2310 Love's fire heats water, water cools not love.