XLI
Reading edition
METHINKS the saddest of all pains to bear Are those which break in twain the lover’s heart, Which cling to life when love from life doth part, And cause it to take sorrow for its share. In vain do men go forth, in dim despair, Seeking to extricate Love’s poisoned dart From some dark spot whence it would not depart, And still return to find it fastened there. O god of Love! Some mercy to thy swains Show in the hours of agony they feel! Couldst thou but suffer half they do endure, Or feel in part the measure of their pains; With something, thou wouldst try their wounds to heal, Or else endeavor thy disease to cure!