Chapter 22

CYPRIAN. Memory of a maddened brain, Do not with such strong control Make me think another soul Is what in my heart doth reign. Blind idolator I have been-- Lost in love's ambitious flight, Since such beauty met my sight, Since a goddess I have seen. Yet in such a maze of woe Rigorous fate doth make me move, That I know but whom I love, And of whom I am jealous--no. Yet this passion is so strong-- Ah, so sweet this fascination, Driving my imagination With resistless force along-- That I would (I know too well How this madness doth degrade me) To some devilish power to aid me, Were it even to rise from hell, Where some mightier power hath kept it,-- Sharing all its pains in common,-- I would, to possess this woman, Give my soul.

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