Luís de Camões (c. 1524–1580)

Translated by J. J. Aubertin

MY gentle spirit! thou who hast departed

So early, of this life in discontent,

Rest thou there ever, in Heaven’s firmament,

While I live here on earth all broken-hearted;

In that Ethereal Seat, where thou didst rise,

If memory of this life so far consent,

Forget not thou my ardent love unspent,

Which thou didst read so perfect in mine eyes.

And if, perchance, aught worthy there appears

In my great cureless anguish for thy death,

Oh! pray to God who closed so soon thy years,

That He will also close my sorrowing breath,

And swiftly call me hence thy form to see,

As swiftly he deprived these eyes of thee.