Ad Seductos Innocentes (Epigr. XXXVI)
A Prayer for the Simple-Hearted
The author distinguishes between the innocent faithful and their misguided leaders, longing for a union of spiritual vision and purity of heart.
Innocent souls, who lead a pure life of faith amidst the currents of this world, may my words never wound your natural modesty; it is only your leaders that these verses target. If only—and this is my one prayer—you could have their eyes, or they could have your hearts!
Read the original Latin
Innocuae mentes, quibus inter flumina mundi Ducitur illimi candida vita fide, Absit ut ingenuum pungant mea verba pudorem; Perstringunt vestros carmina sola duces. O utinam aut illorum oculi, quod comprecor unum, Vobis, aut illis pectora vestra forent!
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