Though Determined Nature Can

Though determined Nature can 
Only offer human eyes 
One alternative to sleep, 
Opportunity to weep,
   Who can refuse her? 
Error does not end with youth 
But increases in the man;
   All truth, only truth, 
Carries the ambiguous lies 
   Of the Accuser.

Though some sudden fire of grace 
Visit our mortality
Till a whole life tremble for 
Swans upon a river or
   Some passing stranger, 
Hearts by envy are possessed 
From the moment that they praise; 
   To rejoice, to be blessed,
Places us immediately
   In mortal danger

Though we cannot follow how 
Evil miracles are done
Through the medium of a kiss, 
Aphrodite's garden is 
   A haunted region; 
For the very signs whereby 
Lovers register their vow, 
   With a look, with a sigh, 
Summon to their meetings One 
   Whose name is Legion.

We, my darling, for our sins 
Suffer in each other's woe, 
Read in injured eyes and hands 
How we broke divine commands 
   And served the Devil. 
Who is passionate enough 
When the punishment begins? 
   O my love, O my love,
In the night of fire and snow 
   Save me from evil.