Dreams bore my fancy to that region where
She dwells whom here I seek, but cannot see.
'Mid those who in the loftiest heaven be
I looked on her, less haughty and more fair.
She took my hand, she said, "Within this sphere,
If hope deceive not, thou shalt dwell with me:
I filled thy life with war's wild agony;
Mine own day closed ere evening could appear.
My bliss no human thought can understand;
I wait for thee alone, and that fair veil
Of beauty thou dost love shall yet retain."
Why was she silent then, why dropped my hand
Ere those delicious tones could quite avail
To bid my mortal soul in heaven remain?
X
Dolci durezze e placide repulse,
Piene di casto amore e di pietate;
Leggiadri sdegni, che le mie infiammate
Voglie tempraro (or me n'accorgo) e 'nsulse;
Gentil parlar, in cui chiaro refulse
Con somma cortesia somma onestate;
Fior di virtù, fontana di beltate,
Ch'ogni basso pensier del cor m'avulse;
Divino sguardo, da far l'uom felice,
Or fiero in affrenar la mente ardita
A quel che giustamente si disdice,
Or presto a confortar mia frale vita;
Questo bel variar fu la radice
Di mia salute, che altramente era ita.
X
Gentle severity, repulses mild,
Full of chaste love and pity sorrowing;
Graceful rebukes, that had the power to bring
Back to itself a heart by dreams beguiled;
A tender voice, whose accents undefiled
Held sweet restraints, all duty honoring;
The bloom of virtue; purity's clear spring
To cleanse away base thoughts and passions wild;
Divinest eyes to make a lover's bliss,
Whether to bridle in the wayward mind
Lest its wild wanderings should the pathway miss,
Or else its griefs to soothe, its wounds to bind;
This sweet completeness of thy life it is
Which saved my soul; no other peace I find.