Versamelde gedigte

Reflection

Because my cognisance of virtue deems

It vice, in one so virtuous as my Love,

To fail to reach my standard and approve

The fancies that I gather up in dreams,
I rage within myself, and in me teems

Contempt, distrust, and anger that can move

[p. 435]

 

Almost a mind to madness. Yet above

 

Their triune force a greater passion gleams,

 

That glories in the knowledge that my care,

 

My choice regard of what I rightly count

 

As perfect, asks that I myself should pour

 

In mine own love a greater, grander share

 

Of charity to swell the full amount

 

Of perfect love that lives for evermore.