Ballate
BALLATA X
Now can I tell you tidings of mine eyes,
News which such pleasure to my heart supplieth
That Love himself for glory of it sigheth.
This new delight which my heart drinketh in
Was drawn from nothing save a woman seen
Who hath such charm and a so courtly mien
And such fair fashion that the heart is fain
To greet her beauty, which nor base nor mean
Can know, because its hue and qualities demand
Intelligence in him who would understand.
I see Love grow resplendent in her eyes
With such great power and such noble thought
As hold therein all gracious ecstasies,
From them there moves a soul so subtly wrought
That all compared thereto are set at naught
And judgment of her speaks no truth save this:
“A splendour strange and unforeseen she is.”
(Envoi)
Go, Ballatetta, forth and find my Lady,
Ask if she have this much of mercy ready,
This namely, that she turn her eyes toward thee?
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