SONNET OF THE TRANSLA-

tor, containing the principal

intention of the Author in his

Philosophy.

Withdraw, you shameless and beastly ones,
Who, for the sake of animal appetite,
And not for love, undertake your quests:
Withdraw, you who are conquered by the Blind God. original: "l’Aueugle" (the Blind One) — a common Renaissance reference to Cupid, the god of love, who was often depicted blindfolded to represent blind, unreasoning lust.
But you, true humans, whose wills
Are seen to strive only toward a blessed end,
Read, read in this work of love,
To better understand both beauty and goodness,

Then, realizing that which you lack,
You will feel yourselves lifted on high,
By a love that flies so straight and true,
Having left base passion behind on the earth,
That it will set you exactly at the point
Of unity, In Neoplatonic philosophy, "Unity" refers to the "One," the highest state of being and the ultimate source of all beauty and goodness. for your delight.

Sonnet (a fourteen-line poem), Translator, Philosophy, Beastly ones (those driven by animal instinct), Love, Delight