I can’t hold you and I can’t leave you

by Juana Ines De La Cruz

I can’t hold you and I can’t leave you,
and sorting the reasons to leave you or hold you,
I find an intangible one to love you.

As you won’t change, not let me forgo you,
I shall give me heart a defence against you,
so that half shall always be armed to abhor you,
though the other half be ready to adore you.

Then, if our love, by loving flourish,
let it not in endless feuding perish;
let us speak no more in jealousy and suspicion.

He offers no part, who would all receive –
so know that when it is your intention
mine shall be to make believe.

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