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Classic and Contemporary Poetry


MADRIGAL: 51 by MICHELANGELO BUONARROTI

First Line: ALAS, ALAS, THAT I AM BETRAYED
Last Line: SINCE THERE IS NO HARM EQUAL TO LOST TIME
Subject(s): TIME;

Alas, Alas, that I am betrayed
By my flying days, it is then the looking glass,
Not the mind, if self love do not tarnish it
Alas that he who foolish frets in desire
Not heeding the flying time
Finds himself, like me, at one instant, old.
Nor know I how to repent, nor do I make myself ready,
Nor advise myself with death at the door.
Enemy of myself
Vainly I pour out plaints & sighs
Since there is no harm equal to lost time



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