Page:Sonnets and Ballate of Guido Cavalcanti.djvu/107

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Ballate

BALLATA II

Ladies I saw a-passing where she passed;
Not that they seemed as ladies to my vision,
Who were like nothing save her shadow cast.

I praise her in no cause save verity’s,
None other dispraise, if ye comprehend me.
A spirit moveth speaking prophecies
Foretelling: Spirits mine, swift death shall end ye,
Cruel! if seeing me no tears forelend ye,
Sith but the being in thought sets wide mine eyes
For sobbing out my heart’s full memories.

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