After Petrarch

As you came out of church, with piety
Your noble hands bestowed alms freely where
Within the porch's shade you shone so fair,
The poor all heaven's great riches seemed to see.

I then saluted you most graciously—
Humbly, as suits one in discretion's care;
When, drawing close your robe, with angry air
Your face you shaded as you turned from me.

But Love that will the most rebellious rule,
Would not consent, less kind than beautiful,
That mercy should let pity pass me by;

And in your veiling you were then so slow,
The umbrageous lashes of your beaming eye
Throbbed like dark leafage in the starlight's glow.