For it had been levity To the soul my soul to yield, Which hath as its glory held That it hath not liberty; But, ah me! fortune doth will-- And Love also doth agree-- That my neck is not to flee From the knife that doth me kill. Now I go--I know too plain-- After one that shall me doom, And when thoughts of parting come, I more firm and fixed remain; Ah, what bonds, what nets I find, Dearest! in thine eyes so bright, Which, the more I take to flight, Hold the more, the faster bind! Eyes, alas! ye make me fear, That if ye but look on me, Lesser shall my solace be, And the greater grow my care; 'Tis a truth none can gainsay, That the glances ye bestow On me, are but feigned, for, lo! Cruelly they my love repay. With what dread and fear oppressed Ever is my loving mind! And what opposites I find In the love within my breast! Leave me, poignant memory, Forget, nor another's bliss Call to mind, for lost in this Thine own glory is to thee. With such tokens thou affirmest The love that is in thy breast; By thy wrath I am oppressed, Ever thou my woes confirmest; By what laws of thine am I Doomed to yield, Love, traitor fell! Soul unto Silena's spell, While she doth a word deny? On points rousing bitter strife I but for a moment dwell, For the least of them might well Leave me mad or without life; Let my pen no further go, Since thou mak'st it feel its doom, 'Tis not in my power to sum In brief words so great a woe.