And, as she spake those words, came somewhat near him. 180 He started up; she blushed as one asham'd; Wherewith Leander much more was inflam'd. He touch'd her hand; in touching it she trembled: Love deeply grounded hardly is dissembled. These lovers parled by the touch of hands: True love is mute, and oft amazËd stands. Thus while dumb signs their yielding hearts entangled, The air with sparks of living fire was spangled; And night,[13] deep-drenched in misty Acheron, Heav'd up her head, and half the world upon 190 Breath'd darkness forth (dark night is Cupid's day): And now begins Leander to display Love's holy fire, with words, with sighs, and tears; Which, like sweet music, enter'd Hero's ears; And yet at every word she turn'd aside And always cut him off, as he replied. At last, like to a bold sharp sophister, With cheerful hope thus he accosted her. "Fair creature,[14] let me speak without offence: I would my rude words had the influence 200 To lead thy thoughts as thy fair looks do mine! Then shouldst thou be his prisoner, who is thine. Be not unkind and fair; mis-shapen stuff Are of behaviour boisterous and rough. O, shun me not, but hear me ere you go! God knows, I cannot force love as you do: My words shall be as spotless as my youth, Full of simplicity and naked truth. This sacrifice, whose sweet perfume descending From Venus' altar, to your footsteps bending, 210 Doth testify that you exceed her far, To whom you offer, and whose nun you are. Why should you worship her? her you surpass As much as sparkling diamonds flaring glass. A diamond set in lead his worth retains; A heavenly nymph, belov'd of human swains, Receives no blemish, but ofttimes more grace; Which makes me hope, although I am but base, Base in respect of thee divine and pure, Dutiful service may thy love procure; 220 And I in duty will excel all other, As thou in beauty dost exceed Love's mother. Nor heaven nor thou were made to gaze upon: As heaven preserves all things, so save thou one. A stately-builded ship, well rigg'd and tall, The ocean maketh more majestical; Why vow'st thou, then, to live in Sestos here, Who on Love's seas more glorious wouldst appear? Like untun'd golden strings all women are, Which long time lie untouch'd, will harshly jar. 230 Vessels of brass, oft handled, brightly shine: What diffËrence betwixt[15] the richest mine And basest mould, but use? for both, not us'd, Are of like worth. Then treasure is abus'd, When misers keep it: being put to loan, In time it will return us two for one. Rich robes themselves and others do adorn; Neither themselves nor others, if not worn.