154. ‘Le stele, il cielo et gli elementi a prova’

The stars, the sky, the elements employed

all their art, and all their deepest care,

to set in place this living light, where Nature

is mirrored, and a Sun without compare.

The work, so noble, graceful and rare

is such that mortal gaze cannot grasp it:

such is the measure of beauty in her eyes

that Love rains down in grace and sweetness.

The air struck by those sweet rays

is inflamed with virtue, and becomes

such as to conquer all our speech and thought.

There no unworthy desire can be felt,

but honour and virtue: now where

was ill will ever so quenched by noble beauty?