Canzoniere
by Petrarch, translated by unknown translator
Poem XIV
185460Canzoniere — Poem XIVunknown translatorPetrarch

BALLATA
Occhi miei lassi, mentre ch' io vi giro

HE INVITES HIS EYES TO FEAST THEMSELVES ON LAURA.

      My wearied eyes! while looking thus
    On that fair fatal face to us,
    Be wise, be brief, for--hence my sighs--
    Already Love our bliss denies.
    Death only can the amorous track
    Shut from my thoughts which leads them back
    To the sweet port of all their weal;
    But lesser objects may conceal
    Our light from you, that meaner far
    In virtue and perfection are.
    Wherefore, poor eyes! ere yet appears,
    Already nigh, the time of tears,
    Now, after long privation past,
    Look, and some comfort take at last.

    MACGREGOR.