Poetry Explorer

Classic and Contemporary Poetry

MADRIGAL: 109 by MICHELANGELO BUONARROTI

First Line: RAVISHED BY ALL THAT TO THE EYES IS FAIR
Last Line: BUT BEAUTY AND THE STARLIGHT OF HER EYES.
Subject(s): BEAUTY; ITALIAN RENAISSANCE;
Ravished by all that to the eyes is fair,
Yet hungry for the joys that truly bless,
My soul can find no stair
To mount to heaven, save earth's loveliness.
For from the stars above
Descends a glorious light
That lifts our longing to their highest height
And bears the name of love.
Nor is there aught can move
A gentle heart, or purge or make it wise,
But beauty and the starlight of her eyes.



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