Esther M. Zimmer Lederberg
Giacomo da Lentini Sonnet XXIII
Many lovers bear their malady
Inside their hearts, where it cannot be seen,
Yet I'm unable to conceal my own
So that it's not revealed by my distress,
For I am held beneath another's rule,
And cannot act according to my will,
Except for what my Lady might desire,
For she decides if I shall live or die.
My heart is hers, and all of me as well,
And he who doesn't listen to his heart
Cannot consort with others as he should,
For I am not myself, except for what
My lady sees outside of me
And just a bit of spirit left inside.
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