XXIX. Amongst the Parthians is a kind of ground

Robert Tofte (1561–1620)

AMONGST the Parthians is a kind of ground

Of nature such as, though it far doth stand

From fire: yet fire to take it straight is found;

And flying thither, burns it out of hand.

This prey so sure of Love am I, fair Dame!

And you to me, which burneth me, the flame.

So that if I, to you far off do show;

You kindle straight in me a quenchless fire:

And yet, although within it burn me so,

Sweet is the heat whose fuel is desire.

For rather I, in fire near you would be:

Than freed from flame, you farther off to see.