XVI. And to fix thy head upon High Alhambra's loftiest stone; That this for thee should be the law, Woe is me, Alhama! XVII. "Cavalier, and man of worth! Let these words of mine go forth; That to him I nothing owe. Woe is me, Alhama! XVIII. "But on my soul Alhama weighs, Woe is me, Alhama! XIX. "Sires have lost their children, wives Their lords, and valiant men their lives; One what best his love might claim Hath lost, another wealth, or fame. Woe is me, Alhama! XX. I lost a damsel in that hour, Of all the land the loveliest flower; XXI. And as these things the old Moor said, Woe is me, Alhama! XXII. And men and infants therein weep Woe is me, Alhama! XXIII. And from the windows o'er the walls Woe is me, Alhama! SONETTO DI VITTORELLI. PER MONACA. Sonetto composto in nome di un genitore, a cui era morta poco innanzi una figlia appena maritata; è diretto al genitore della sacra sposa. Di due vaghe donzelle, oneste, accorte A le fumanti tede d' imeneo : La tua, Francesco, in sugellate porte TRANSLATION FROM VITTORELLI. ON A NUN. Sonnet composed in the name of a father, whose daughter had recently died shortly after her marriage; and addressed to the father of her who had lately taken the veil. Or two fair virgins, modest, though admired, Heaven made us happy; and now, wretched sires, Heaven for a nobler doom their worth desires, And gazing upon either, both required. Mine, while the torch of Hymen newly fired Becomes extinguish'd, soon-too soon- -expires; But thine, within the closing grate retired, Eternal captive, to her God aspires. But thou at least from out the jealous door, Which shuts between your never-meeting eyes, May'st hear her sweet and pious voice once more: I to the marble, where my daughter lies, Rush, the swoln flood of bitterness I pour, And knock, and knock, and knock-but none re plies. |