[Michelangelo Buonarotti, Non è più bassa o vil cosa terrena, “Rime”, 16th century.]
There is not on earth a thing more vile and base
Than, lacking Thee, I feel myself to be:
For forgiveness prays my own debility,
Yearning in vain to lift me to Thy face.
Stretch to me, Lord, that chain whose links enlace
All heavenly gifts and all felicity—
Faith, whereunto I strive perpetually,
Yet cannot find (my fault) her perfect grace.
That gift of gifts, the rarer it is, the more
I count it great; more great, because to earth
Without it neither peace nor joy is given.
If Thou Thy blood so lovingly didst pour,
Let not that bounty fail or suffer dearth,
Withholding Faith that opes the doors of heaven.
