Sonnet 153: Cupid laid by his brand and fell asleep

Portrait of William Shakespeare
William Shakespeare 1564–1616
153The Sonnets

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 borrowed 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 thither hied a sad distempered guest, But found no cure. The bath for my help lies Where Cupid got new fire-my mistress' eyes.

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