Michelangelo (1475–1564)

Translated by John Addington Symonds

WITH your fair eyes a charming light I see,

For which my own blind eyes would peer in vain;

Stayed by your feet the burden I sustain

Which my lame feet find all too strong for me;

Wingless upon your pinions forth I fly;

Heavenward your spirit stirreth me to strain;

E’en as you will, I blush and blanch again,

Freeze in the sun, burn ’neath a frosty sky.

Your will includes and is the lord of mine;

Life to my thoughts within your heart is given;

My words begin to breathe upon your breath:

Like to the moon am I, that cannot shine

Alone; for lo! our eyes see nought in heaven

Save what the living sun illumineth.