348. ‘Da’ piú belli occhi, et dal piú chiaro viso’

From lovelier eyes, and from a brighter glance,

than ever shone, and from lovelier hair,

that made gold and the sun seem less lovely,

from a sweeter speech, and sweeter smile,

from hands, from arms that conquered,

without moving, those who were ever most

rebellious in Love, from lovelier slender feet,

from the whole form made in Paradise,

my spirit took its life: now Heaven’s King

and his winged messengers take delight:

and I who remain am naked and blind.

I have only one comfort in my bitter pain:

that she, who sees my every thought,

may win me grace, so I may be with her.