Doth any maiden seek the glorious fame
Of chastity, of strength, of courtesy?
Gaze in the eyes of that sweet enemy
Whom all the world doth as my lady name!
How honor grows, and pure devotion's flame,
How truth is joined with graceful dignity,
There thou mayst learn, and what the path may be
To that high heaven which doth her spirit claim;
There learn that speech, beyond all poet's skill,
And sacred silence, and those holy ways
Unutterable, untold by human heart.
But the infinite beauty that all eyes doth fill,
This none can learn! because its lovely rays
Are given by God's pure grace, and not by art.
V
O passi sparsi, o pensier vaghi e pronti,
O tenace memoria, o fero ardore,
O possente desire, o debil core,
O occhi miei, occhi non già, ma fonti;
O fronde, onor delle famose fronti,
O sola insegna al gemino valore;
O faticosa vita, o dolce errore,
Che mi fate ir cercando piagge e monti;
O bel viso, ov'Amor insieme pose
Gli sproni e 'l fren, ond'e' mi punge e volve
Com'a lui piace, e calcitrar non vale;
O anime gentili ed amorose,
S'alcuna ha 'l mondo; e voi nude ombre e polve;
Deh restate a veder qual è 'l mio male.
V
O wandering steps! O vague and busy dreams!
O changeless memory! O fierce desire!
O passion strong! heart weak with its own fire;
O eyes of mine! not eyes, but living streams;
O laurel boughs! whose lovely garland seems
The sole reward that glory's deeds require!
O haunted life! delusion sweet and dire,
That all my days from slothful rest redeems;
O beauteous face! where Love has treasured well
His whip and spur, the sluggish heart to move
At his least will; nor can it find relief.
O souls of love and passion! if ye dwell
Yet on this earth, and ye, great Shades of Love!
Linger, and see my passion and my grief.