The Poetry Corner

Sonnet LI.

By Francesco Petrarca (Petrarch)

Del mar Tirreno alla sinistra riva. THE FALL. Upon the left shore of the Tyrrhene sea, Where, broken by the winds, the waves complain, Sudden I saw that honour'd green again, Written for whom so many a page must be: Love, ever in my soul his flame who fed, Drew me with memories of those tresses fair; Whence, in a rivulet, which silent there Through long grass stole, I fell, as one struck dead. Lone as I was, 'mid hills of oak and fir, I felt ashamed; to heart of gentle mould Blushes suffice: nor needs it other spur. 'Tis well at least, breaking bad customs old, To change from eyes to feet: from these so wet By those if milder April should be met. MACGREGOR.