Love
Sonnet CXXVI (In Life): He Extols the Beauty and Virtue of Laura
Translated by Rev. Dr. Nott (in Bohn, 1879) · From To Laura in Life
Say from what part of heaven 'twas Nature drew,
From what idea, that so perfect mould
To form such features, bidding us behold,
In charms below, what she above could do?
What fountain-nymph, what dryad-maid e'er threw
Upon the wind such tresses of pure gold?
What heart such numerous virtues can unfold?
Although the chiefest all my fond hopes slew.
He for celestial charms may look in vain,
Who has not seen my fair one's radiant eyes,
And felt their glances pleasingly beguile.
How Love can heal his wounds, then wound again,
He only knows, who knows how sweet her sighs,
How sweet her converse, and how sweet her smile.
Cite this poem
MLA
Francesco Petrarca (Petrarch). “Sonnet CXXVI (In Life): He Extols the Beauty and Virtue of Laura.” Translated by Rev. Dr. Nott. Poetry Codex, poetrycodex.com/poem/petrarch/158/.
Chicago
Francesco Petrarca (Petrarch). “Sonnet CXXVI (In Life): He Extols the Beauty and Virtue of Laura.” Translated by Rev. Dr. Nott. Poetry Codex. https://poetrycodex.com/poem/petrarch/158/.
Read this poem with the Codex →
More by Francesco Petrarca (Petrarch)
- Sonnet LII (In Life): The View of Rome Prompts Him to Tear Himself from Laura, but Love Will Not Allow Him
- Sonnet CX (In Life): He Likens Himself to the Insect Which, Flying into One's Eyes, Meets Its Death
- Sonnet CLXXXII (In Life): All Nature Would Be in Darkness Were She, Its Sun, to Perish
- Sonnet XXIII (In Death): Morn Renders His Grief More Poignant
- Sonnet LXXXIX (In Death): He Begs Love to Assist Him, That He May Worthily Celebrate Her