posted July 15, 2021 01:21 PM            

Since Love took hold of me it’s been so long—
he’s made me so used to his sovereignty—
that though at first he felt all harsh in me,
now he is in my heart as soft as dawn:
when he so drains strength that it’s nearly gone
and it seems my spirits all have turned to flee,
then my fragile soul can only be
infused with sweetness till my face goes wan.

And Love takes on such power in me like this,
that he incites my spirits into speech,
which, coming out, beseech
my lady that she give me greater bliss.