Sonnet 153: Cupid laid by his brand and fell asleep

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 seething 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’ eye.

William Shakespeare

Presenters

Mark Chatterley

Thierry Heles