The Poetry Corner

To Laura In Death. Sonnet LXXVII.

By Francesco Petrarca (Petrarch)

Da' pi begli occhi e dal pi chiaro viso. HIS ONLY COMFORT IS THE EXPECTATION OF MEETING HER AGAIN IN HEAVEN. The brightest eyes, the most resplendent face That ever shone; and the most radiant hair, With which nor gold nor sunbeam could compare; The sweetest accent, and a smile all grace; Hands, arms, that would e'en motionless abase Those who to Love the most rebellious were; Fine, nimble feet; a form that would appear Like that of her who first did Eden trace; These fann'd life's spark: now heaven, and all its choir Of angel hosts those kindred charms admire; While lone and darkling I on earth remain. Yet is not comfort fled; she, who can read Each secret of my soul, shall intercede; And I her sainted form behold again. NOTT. Yes, from those finest eyes, that face most sweet That ever shone, and from that loveliest hair, With which nor gold nor sunbeam may compare, That speech with love, that smile with grace replete, From those soft hands, those white arms which defeat. Themselves unmoved, the stoutest hearts that e'er To Love were rebels; from those feet so fair, From her whole form, for Eden only meet, My spirit took its life--now these delight The King of Heaven and his angelic train, While, blind and naked, I am left in night. One only balm expect I 'mid my pain-- That she, mine every thought who now can see, May win this grace--that I with her may be. MACGREGOR.