It is reported of fair Thetis' son
(Achilles famous for his chivalry,
His noble mind and magnanimity),
That when the Trojan wars were new begun,
Whosever was deep-wounded with his spear,
Could never be recured[1] of his maim,
Nor ever after be made whole again:
Except with that spears rust he holpen[2] were.
Even so it fareth[3] with my fortune now,
Who being wounded with his piercing eye,
Must either thereby find a remedy,
Or else to be relieved I know not how.
Then if thou hast a mind still to annoy me,
Kill me with kisses, if thou wilt destroy me.
Richard Barnfield (1574-1620)
(This version has been modernised)
[1] : restored
[2] : past tense of 'to help'
[3] : fares
