The Poetry Corner

Sonnet LXXXVIII.

By Francesco Petrarca (Petrarch)

La donna che 'l mio cor nel viso porta. HER KIND AND GENTLE SALUTATION THRILLS HIS HEART WITH PLEASURE. She, in her face who doth my gone heart wear, As lone I sate 'mid love-thoughts dear and true, Appear'd before me: to show honour due, I rose, with pallid brow and reverent air. Soon as of such my state she was aware, She turn'd on me with look so soft and new As, in Jove's greatest fury, might subdue His rage, and from his hand the thunders tear. I started: on her further way she pass'd Graceful, and speaking words I could not brook, Nor of her lustrous eyes the loving look. When on that dear salute my thoughts are cast, So rich and varied do my pleasures flow, No pain I feel, nor evil fear below. MACGREGOR.