Mel Heliconium :: :: University of Virginia Library

As Arethusa running through the main,
Yet doth its taste and colour still retain:
Salt Doris cannot taint it; let us then
Be good still, though we live with wicked men.
And as Alphæus runs, and will not stop
Untill he rests in Arethusa's lap;
So run my soul, untill thou be possess'd
Of thy belov'd, and of eternall rest.
And who would think, that love could set on fire;
Cold waters chuse cold waters to desire:
Can Cupid wound a river, can he scorch
The fencelesse waters with his flaming Torch?
No, no; but thou, O Lord, the God of Love
Can wound my heart, and warm it from above.
My cold and waterish heart, so now inflame
With love of thee, that I my course may frame
To thee through all the foes of cares and fears,
And through the salt sea also of my tears.
I am Alphæus, thou that living Well
To which I run, and where I hope to dwell.