Petrarch (Francisco Petrarca) (1304–1374)

Translated by Robert Cadell

O EARTH, whose clay-cold mantle shrouds that face

And veils those eyes that late so brightly shone,

Whence all that gave delight on Earth was known;

How much I envy thee that harsh embrace!

O Heaven, that in thy airy Courts confin’d

That purest Spirit when from Earth she fled

And sought the Mansions of the righteous Dead,—

Ah envious, thus to leave my parting Soul behind!

O Angels that in your seraphic Choir

Receiv’d her Sister-soul, and now enjoy

Still present these Delights without alloy

Which my fond Heart must still in vain desire!

In Her I liv’d; in her my Life decays:—

Yet envious Fate denies to end my hapless days.