Sonnet XXXIX
SONNET XXXIX.
Io sentia dentr' al cor già venir meno.
HE DESIRES AGAIN TO GAZE ON THE EYES Of LAURA.
I now perceived that from within me fledThose spirits to which you their being lend;And since by nature's dictates to defendThemselves from death all animals are made,The reins I loosed, with which Desire I stay'd,And sent him on his way without a friend;There whither day and night my course he'd bend,Though still from thence by me reluctant led.And me ashamed and slow along he drewTo see your eyes their matchless influence shower,Which much I shun, afraid to give you pain.Yet for myself this once I'll live; such powerHas o'er this wayward life one look from you:—Then die, unless Desire prevails again.
Anon., Ox., 1795. Because the powers that take their life from youAlready had I felt within decay,And because Nature, death to shield or slay,Arms every animal with instinct true,To my long-curb'd desire the rein I threw,And turn'd it in the old forgotten way,Where fondly it invites me night and day,Though 'gainst its will, another I pursue.And thus it led me back, ashamed and slow,To see those eyes with love's own lustre rifeWhich I am watchful never to offend:Thus may I live perchance awhile below;One glance of yours such power has o'er my lifeWhich sure, if I oppose desire, shall end.
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