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Michelangelo - Sonnet LI - Now give me back that time when love was held
Identifier
024474
Type of Spiritual Experience
Background
A description of the experience
Michelangelo – Sonnets [translated by Elizabeth Jennings]
Sonnet LI (i)
Now give me back that time when love was held
On a loose rein, making my passion free.
Return that calm, angelic face to me,
That countenance which every virtue filled.
Bring back those frequent journeys, swift before,
But now so slow to one who's full of years.
Give to my breast the waters and the fires
If you require my service any more.
If you can only live upon the tide
Of bitter-sweet and mortal tears, dear heart,
What pleasure can an old man's tears return?
My soul has almost reached the other side
And makes a shield against your kindly dart.
Charred wood will never make a new fire burn.