Dio Amore
I love, and I have felt against my heart
The throbbing of my Lover’s heart; it was —
Shall trembling lips dare tell?
It was the heart of God.
Of God, Who rayed with gleaming glory, rules
In the bright heavens, yet finds His cheifest joy
to be with little man,
A-wandering in this vale.
The fair intelligences all-amazed
Behold that glory wrapped in freshly veil
Descending to this heir
Of guilt and wretchedness,
And, healing with His sacred Hands the wounds
Of the poor mangled worm; and to all worlds
Shouting His joy, should one
Poor sinner love Him back.
I saw Him through the deep abysmal gloom
Draw near me; and I heard His gentled plaint:
“Why dost thou shrink and hide
From My pursuing love?”
Closer He drew and closer yet, the while
The radiance of His beauty shone more sweet,
Till my heart burned within,
To burn for evermore.
I love, and I have felt against my heart
The throbbing of my Lover’s Heart; it was —
I boldly dare proclaim —
It was the Heart of God,
Whom I have seen, and known; Who loves me,
Whom I love.
— Author: Silvio Pellico