XI
| The holy angels and the spirits blest, Celestial bands, upon that day serene When first my love went by in heavenly sheen, Came thronging, wondering at the gracious guest. “What light is here, in what new beauty drest?” They said among themselves; “for none has seen Within this age arrive so fair a mien From changing earth unto immortal rest.” And she, contented with her new-found bliss, Ranks with the perfect in that upper sphere, Yet ever and anon looks back on this, To watch for me, as if for me she stayed. So strive my thoughts, lest that high heaven I miss. I hear her call, and must not be delayed. |
XII
| Dicemi spesso il mio fidato speglio, L’animo stanco e la cangiata scorza E la scemata mia destrezza e forza; Non ti nasconder più; tu se’ pur veglio. Obbedir a Natura in tutto è il meglio; Ch’a contender con lei il tempo ne sforza. Subito allor, com’acqua il foco ammorza, D’un lungo e grave sonno mi risveglio: E veggio ben che ’l nostro viver vola, E ch’esser non si può più d’una volta; E ’n mezzo ’l cor mi sona una parola Di lei ch’è or dal suo bel nodo sciolta, Ma ne’ suoi giorni al mondo fu sì sola, Ch’a tutte, s’i’ non erro, fama ha tolta. |
XII
| Oft by my faithful mirror I am told, And by my mind outworn and altered brow, My earthly powers impaired and weakened now,— “Deceive thyself no more, for thou art old!” Who strives with Nature’s laws is over-bold, And Time to his commandment bids us bow. Like fire that waves have quenched, I calmly vow In life’s long dream no more my sense to fold. And while I think, our swift existence flies, And none can live again earth’s brief career,— Then in my deepest heart the voice replies Of one who now has left this mortal sphere, But walked alone through earthly destinies, And of all women is to fame most dear. |