204. ‘Anima, che diverse cose tante’

Spirit that sees, hears, reads, speaks,

writes, and thinks, so many diverse things:

my eyes of longing, and you, among the senses

that guide sacred noble words to the heart:

how much later, or earlier, do you wish

you had taken the road, that’s so hard to follow,

so as not to have met those two bright eyes

or the steps of those beloved feet?

Now with such clear light, and so many signs,

there should be no error on this brief way,

that makes us worthy of an eternal home.

Strive towards heaven, O my weary heart,

through the mist of her sweet disdain,

following true footsteps and divine light.