There is a Gentle Thought

Portrait of Dante Alighieri
Dante Alighieri 1265–1321

There is a gentle thought that often springs to life in me, because it speaks of you. Its reasoning about love's so sweet and true, the heart is conquered, and accepts these things. 'Who is this' the mind enquires of the heart, 'who comes here to seduce our intellect? Is his power so great we must reject every other intellectual art? The heart replies 'O, meditative mind this is love's messenger and newly sent to bring me all Love's words and desires. His life, and all the strength that he can find, from her sweet eyes are mercifully lent, who feels compassion for our inner fires.'

Keep reading

Discover more of Dante Alighieri’s poetry.

Explore all poems

Readers

Reader discussion

Your turn

Shown with your comment.

Never published. Only so we can reach you.

Comments are read before they appear. See our terms.