The Poetry Corner

Love's Loadstone. Second Reading.

By Michelangelo di Lodovico Buonarroti Simoni

Non so se s' 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.