Robert Herrick. To Dianeme. (V)

TO DIANEME. (V)
by Robert Herrick

I COULD but see thee yesterday
Stung by a fretful bee ;
And I the javelin suck'd away,
And heal'd the wound in thee.

A thousand thorns and briars and stings,
I have in my poor breast ;
Yet ne'er can see that salve which brings
My passions any rest.

As love shall help me, I admire
How thou canst sit, and smile
To see me bleed, and not desire
To staunch the blood the while.

If thou, compos'd of gentle mould,
Art so unkind to me ;
What dismal stories will be told
Of those that cruel be ?

Source:
Herrick, Robert. Works of Robert Herrick. vol II.
Alfred Pollard, ed.
London, Lawrence & Bullen, 1891. 89.

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