The Poetry Corner

Love And Death.

By Michelangelo di Lodovico Buonarroti Simoni

Ognor che l' idol mio. Whene'er the idol of these eyes appears Unto my musing heart so weak and strong, Death comes between her and my soul ere long Chasing her thence with troops of gathering fears. Nathless this violence my spirit cheers With better hope than if she had no wrong; While Love invincible arrays the throng Of dauntless thoughts, and thus harangues his peers: But once, he argues, can a mortal die; But once be born: and he who dies afire, What shall he gain if erst he dwelt with me? That burning love whereby the soul flies free, Doth lure each fervent spirit to aspire Like gold refined in flame to God on high.