So long have I been subject to Love's sway And grown accustomed to his mastery That where at first his rule seemed harsh to me Sweet is his presence … - Dante Alighieri

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So long have I been subject to Love's sway
And grown accustomed to his mastery That where at first his rule seemed harsh to me
Sweet is his presence in my heart today.
Thus when all fortitude he takes away,
So that my frail spirits seem to flee,
Then I am lost in sweetness utterly
And pallid looks my fainting soul display.
Love marshals then against me all his might;Routed, my spirits wander, murmuring,
And to my lady bring
Petition for new solace in my plight.
Thus by her merest glance I am unmanned,
And pride so humbled, none could understand.