The Poetry Corner

To Laura In Death. Sonnet LXIX.

By Francesco Petrarca (Petrarch)

Dolce mio caro e prezioso pegno. HE PRAYS HER TO APPEAR BEFORE HIM IN A VISION. Dear precious pledge, by Nature snatch'd away, But yet reserved for me in realms undying; O thou on whom my life is aye relying, Why tarry thus, when for thine aid I pray? Time was, when sleep could to mine eyes convey Sweet visions, worthy thee;--why is my sighing Unheeded now?--who keeps thee from replying? Surely contempt in heaven cannot stay: Often on earth the gentlest heart is fain To feed and banquet on another's woe (Thus love is conquer'd in his own domain), But thou, who seest through me, and dost know All that I feel,--thou, who canst soothe my pain, Oh! let thy blessed shade its peace bestow. WROTTESLEY.