110 LIFE OF MICHAEL ANGELO.

Platonic Academy of Florence, and of his having
become familiar with some of the finest parts of
Plato's writings in the translation, probably of
Marsiglio Ficino.
In the decline of life he ceased to blend Platonism
with his religious sentiments, and wrote many
beautiful sonnets and other pieces, in the spirit of
a humble and enlightened Christian. Some of
these rank among the most exquisite and impressive
examples of devotional poetry to be found in any
language.
These general remarks will prepare the way for
a more detailed examination of these poems; and
first of all we will introduce translations of a few
of his lighter madrigals, consisting of playful effu-
sions of amatory feeling, which must be regarded
as either composed to amuse his leisure, or as ad-
dressed to some nameless beauty. They seem, at
least, to argue, that although there is no evidence
of his ever having been seriously in love, he was
no stranger to the influence of female charms.
MADRIGAL III.
What is the power which, though I'm free,
Draws me, in fetters bound, to thee,
Sweet source of all my joy and pain;
If to enchain without a chain,
If round my yielding heart to twine
Soft bands invisible be thine,