XXII
Reading edition
IF love too oft repeats itself herein, These verses testify to my dear cause; To eagerly acclaim, but never pause, In this belated quest, if I would win. Let it not then be counted as a sin, Should this one word occur in every clause, That doth my heart describe with truth, because No other dwells so fittingly therein. For if not thus, how else may lovers speak, Save in that self-same language, recognized By all who have experienced the fire Of love’s sweet passion, which, though strong or weak, Gives that with which all men have sympathized, And still on earth doth every soul inspire?