From the Italian of Michael Angelo
From the Italian of Michael Angelo - meaning Summary
Love as Divine Proof
The sonnet argues that enduring love testifies to a divine purpose: if human affection meant nothing to Heaven, creation would be inexplicable. Hope can match desire when love is true. Love tied only to fleeting beauty is unreliable, but pure, unchanging affection cultivates a ‘‘deathless flower’’ in chaste hearts that brings a glimpse of paradise on earth. The poem contrasts transient attraction with spiritual, sanctifying love.
Read Complete AnalysesYES! hope may with my strong desire keep pace, And I be undeluded, unbetrayed; For if of our affections none finds grace In sight of Heaven, then, wherefore hath God made The world which we inhabit? Better plea Love cannot have, than that in loving thee Glory to that eternal Peace is paid, Who such divinity to thee imparts As hallows and makes pure all gentle hearts. His hope is treacherous only whose love dies With beauty, which is varying every hour; But, in chaste hearts uninfluenced by the power Of outward change, there blooms a deathless flower, That breathes on earth the air of paradise.
Feel free to be first to leave comment.