Canzoniere/Poem XVII

by Petrarch

SONNET
Piovonmi amare lagrime dal viso

HIS STATE WHEN LAURA IS PRESENT, AND WHEN SHE DEPARTS.

      Down my cheeks bitter tears incessant rain,
    And my heart struggles with convulsive sighs,
    When, Laura, upon you I turn my eyes,
    For whom the world's allurements I disdain,
    But when I see that gentle smile again,
    That modest, sweet, and tender smile, arise,
    It pours on every sense a blest surprise;
    Lost in delight is all my torturing pain.
    Too soon this heavenly transport sinks and dies:
    When all thy soothing charms my fate removes
    At thy departure from my ravish'd view.
    To that sole refuge its firm faith approves
    My spirit from my ravish'd bosom flies,
    And wing'd with fond remembrance follows you.

    CAPEL LOFFT.


      Tears, bitter tears adown my pale cheek rain,
    Bursts from mine anguish'd breast a storm of sighs,
    Whene'er on you I turn my passionate eyes,
    For whom alone this bright world I disdain.
    True! to my ardent wishes and old pain
    That mild sweet smile a peaceful balm supplies,
    Rescues me from the martyr fire that tries,
    Rapt and intent on you whilst I remain;
    Thus in your presence--but my spirits freeze
    When, ushering with fond acts a warm adieu,
    My fatal stars from life's quench'd heaven decay.
    My soul released at last with Love's apt keys
    But issues from my heart to follow you,
    Nor tears itself without much thought away.

    MACGREGOR.