“If it be true that any beauteous thing”

Michaelangelo (1475–1564)

From the Italian by John Edward Taylor

IF it be true that any beauteous thing

Raises the pure and just desire of man

From earth to God, the eternal fount of all,

Such I believe my love; for as in her

So fair, in whom I all besides forget,

I view the gentle work of her Creator,

I have no care for any other thing,

Whilst thus I love. Nor is it marvellous,

Since the effect is not of my own power,

If the soul doth, by nature tempted forth,

Enamored through the eyes,

Repose upon the eyes which it resembleth,

And through them riseth to the Primal Love,

As to its end, and honors in admiring;

For who adores the Maker needs must love his work.