双语·英美爱情诗歌选 22　十四行诗第154首

22. Sonnet 154

——W. Shakespeare

The little Love-god lying once asleep

Laid by his side his heart-inflaming brand,

Whilst many nymphs that vowed 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 warmed;

And so the general of hot desire

Was sleeping, by a virgin hand disarmed.

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.