Love
Sonnet CCI (In Life): On the Kiss of Honour Given by Charles of Luxemburg to Laura at a Banquet
Translated by Major Macgregor (in Bohn, 1879) · From To Laura in Life
A kingly nature, an angelic mind,
A spotless soul, prompt aspect and keen eye,
Quick penetration, contemplation high
And truly worthy of the breast which shrined:
In bright assembly lovely ladies join'd
To grace that festival with gratulant joy,
Amid so many and fair faces nigh
Soon his good judgment did the fairest find.
Of riper age and higher rank the rest
Gently he beckon'd with his hand aside,
And lovingly drew near the perfect ONE:
So courteously her eyes and brow he press'd,
All at his choice in fond approval vied--
Envy through my sole veins at that sweet freedom run.
Cite this poem
MLA
Francesco Petrarca (Petrarch). “Sonnet CCI (In Life): On the Kiss of Honour Given by Charles of Luxemburg to Laura at a Banquet.” Translated by Major Macgregor. Poetry Codex, poetrycodex.com/poem/petrarch/238/.
Chicago
Francesco Petrarca (Petrarch). “Sonnet CCI (In Life): On the Kiss of Honour Given by Charles of Luxemburg to Laura at a Banquet.” Translated by Major Macgregor. Poetry Codex. https://poetrycodex.com/poem/petrarch/238/.
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More by Francesco Petrarca (Petrarch)
- Sonnet XXXIV (In Life): Her Return Gladdens the Earth and Calms the Sky
- Sonnet XCII (In Life): Laura Turning to Salute Him, the Sun, Through Jealousy, Withdrew Behind a Cloud
- Sonnet CLVI (In Life): Under the Figure of a Tempest-Tossed Vessel, He Describes His Own Sad State
- Sonnet CCXXVI (In Life): Hope Alone Supports Him in His Misery
- Sonnet LXV (In Death): He No Longer Contemplates the Mortal, but the Immortal Beauties of Laura