Odelette to His Mistress

Poem by Pierre De Ronsard Collection The MélangesThemes LovePeriod 16th century

I want to love ardently,
And I also want equally
That I be loved with an ardent love:
All friendship coldly slow
That can hide its good
Or keep silent about its harm, is worth nothing,
For to put on a good face in love
And not love at all is the true sign.

Lovers so cold in summer,
Admirers of chastity,
And who, chilled, Petrarchize,
Are always fools, for they despise
Love, which by its nature is
Ardent and quick, and which pleases
To make a friendship last
When it takes after its nature.

Pierre de Ronsard

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