297. ‘Due gran nemiche inseme erano agiunte,’

Two great enemies were brought together,

Beauty and Chastity, in such peace

that her sacred spirit never knew rebellion,

from the moment they were joined in her:

and now they are split and parted by Death:

one is in heaven, that glories and praises it:

the other in earth, that veils those eyes,

from which such loving arrows issued.

The gentle ways, and the wise humble speech

that came from a noble place, the sweet glance

that pierced my heart (it still shows the mark),

have vanished: and if I’m slow

to follow, perhaps it’s that her name

may be hallowed by my weary pen.