Part 7 (2/2)
I know my doom; the truth I apprehend: But on the other side my traitorous heart Slays me whene'er to wisdom's words I bend.
Between two deaths my lady stands apart: This death I dread; that none can comprehend.
In this suspense body and soul must part.
XL.
FIRST READING.
_LOVE'S LOADSTONE._
_No so s' e la desiata luce._
I know not if it be the longed-for light Of her first Maker which the spirit feels; Or if a time-old memory reveals Some other beauty for the heart's delight; Or fame or dreams beget that vision bright, Sweet to the eyes, which through the bosom steals, Leaving I know not what that wounds and heals, And now perchance hath made me weep outright.
Be this what this may be, 'tis this I seek: Nor guide have I; nor know I where to find That burning fire; yet some one seems to lead.
This, since I saw thee, lady, makes me weak; A bitter-sweet sways here and there my mind, And sure I am thine eyes this mischief breed.
XL.
SECOND READING.
_LOVE'S LOADSTONE._
_Non so se s' e l' immaginata luce._
I know not if it be the fancied light Which every man or more or less doth feel; Or if the mind and memory reveal Some other beauty for the heart's delight;
Or if within the soul the vision bright Of her celestial home once more doth steal, Drawing our better thoughts with pure appeal To the true Good above all mortal sight:
This light I long for and unguided seek; This fire that burns my heart, I cannot find; Nor know the way, though some one seems to lead.
This, since I saw thee, lady, makes me weak: A bitter-sweet sways here and there my mind; And sure I am thine eyes this mischief breed.
XLI.
_LIGHT AND DARKNESS._
_Colui che fece._
He who ordained, when first the world began, Time, that was not before creation's hour, Divided it, and gave the sun's high power To rule the one, the moon the other span: Thence fate and changeful chance and fortune's ban Did in one moment down on mortals shower: To me they portioned darkness for a dower; Dark hath my lot been since I was a man.
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