My imminent departure brings her to me
So close before we are apart
her eyes from bright to hazy
dance
It is selfish to feel flattered
But worse still to lie
And say I take no pleasure in her deep exhale
As she graces me with this sweet despair
We, who cannot be lived without, are most loved
Title from the poem: Jerusalem Delivered-Torquato Tasso circa 1576.
Translated into English by Edward Fairfax