Late in the forest I did Cupid see

by Lady Mary Wroth


LATE in the forest I did Cupid see.
  Cold, wet and crying, he had lost his way,
  And being blind was farther like to stray,
  Which sight a kind compassion bred in me.

I kindly took and dried him, while that he,
  Poor child, complained he starvèd was with stay,
  And pined for want of his accustomed prey,
  For none in that wild place his host would be.

I glad was of his finding, thinking sure
  This service should my freedom still procure,
  And in my arms I took him then unharmed,

Carrying him safe unto a myrtle bower.
  But in the way he made me feel his power,
  Burning my heart who had him kindly warmed.