XLIX.

_THE SAGE ON EARTH._

_Sciolto e legato._

Bound and yet free, companioned and alone, Loud mid my silence, I confound my foes: Men think me fool in this vile world of woes; God's wisdom greets me sage from heaven's high throne. With wings on earth oppressed aloft I bound; My gleeful soul sad bonds of flesh enclose: And though sometimes too great the burden grows, These pinions bear me upward from the ground. A doubtful combat proves the warrior's might: Short is all time matched with eternity: Nought than a pleasing burden is more light. My brows I bind with my love's effigy, Sure that my joyous flight will soon be sped Where without speech my thoughts shall all be read.