CHOICE soul, in whom, as in a glass, we see,
Mirrored in thy pure form and delicate,
What beauties heaven and nature can create,
The paragon of all their works to be!
Fair soul, in whom love, pity, piety,
Have found a home, as from thy outward state
We clearly read, and are so rare and great
That they adorn none other like to thee!
Love takes me captive; beauty binds my soul;
Pity and mercy with their gentle eyes
Wake in my heart a hope that cannot cheat.
What law, what destiny, what fell control,
What cruelty, or late or soon, denies
That death should spare perfection so complete?
Notes
Translated by John Addington Symonds (1840-1893).
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omg
From guest kat (contact)
this is a magnificant poem its breathtaking and has such meaning to it. lovinthis poem lolz -
confusing
i dont understand how you guys understand what he's trying to get across...i get so lost by the 3 line. -
It’s amazing at how something that was written roughly 500 years ago could still be so in tune with how someone like me thinks. Though the writing style shows the era that the piece was written, the message is still so timeless. I was looking at the previous comments and had a good chuckle. But there were also some real profound statements made on how the piece was perceived by them. I felt that Hollow Echo did a masterful job in what they interpreted the message as saying, because that is how I felt about it. I have always had an affinity for the poets of the past, and this is but another reason why. Thanks for sharing Michelangelo Buonarroti with us.
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beauty is in the eye of the beholder
Big thumbs up!
Ryan -
Youre so right beauty doesnt last forever, and it's amazing how people want to think that it does, I love this poem!!
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wonderful piece of writing, although i couldn't really see the main idea behind it. i still enjoyed it though, thanx.
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wow...this was beautifully written. You sure have a wonderful way with words. Thanks for sharing your talent. Take it easy now and keep it real.
<3,
Alison -
Wow very extrodinary way of writing words
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Since this is my first stop at Old Poetry, I couldn't
help but notice this was written in 1500. I think it's
a testament to human beings that we still value the
work and words of those who have gone before us. -
yes.."what beauties heaven and nature can create"..true.."love takes me captive" ...amazing
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I like how Buonarroti uses metaphors in hios poetry. It makes you think about what you're reading. He is is good poet and i like this piece.
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I love this poem. The message to me seems to be "Beauty doesn't last forever." and I love that message.
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