257. ‘In quell bel viso ch’i’ sospiro et bramo,’

My eyes were fixed, with intense desire,

on that lovely face I sigh and long for,

when Love as if saying: ‘What are you thinking of?’,

interposed her proud hand, my second love.

My heart, caught like a fish on a hook,

and so made a living example,

or like a fledgling limed on a branch,

with senses occupied, did not engage it.

But sight, deprived of its object,

still made its way, as in a dream,

to that face without which all’s imperfect.

My soul between one and the other glory,

felt a new heavenly joy beyond knowing,

and such unheard of sweetness.