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CLIV.
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.
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