Love
Sonnet CCXVII (In Life): Contrary to the Wont of Lovers, He Prefers Morn to Eve
Translated by Major Macgregor (in Bohn, 1879) · From To Laura in Life
Tranquil and happy loves in this agree,
The evening to desire and morning hate:
On me at eve redoubled sorrows wait--
Morning is still the happier hour for me.
For then my sun and Nature's oft I see
Opening at once the orient's rosy gate,
So match'd in beauty and in lustre great,
Heaven seems enamour'd of our earth to be!
As when in verdant leaf the dear boughs burst
Whose roots have since so centred in my core,
Another than myself is cherish'd more.
Thus the two hours contrast, day's last and first:
Reason it is who calms me to desire,
And fear and hate who fiercer feed my fire.
Cite this poem
MLA
Francesco Petrarca (Petrarch). “Sonnet CCXVII (In Life): Contrary to the Wont of Lovers, He Prefers Morn to Eve.” Translated by Major Macgregor. Poetry Codex, poetrycodex.com/poem/petrarch/254/.
Chicago
Francesco Petrarca (Petrarch). “Sonnet CCXVII (In Life): Contrary to the Wont of Lovers, He Prefers Morn to Eve.” Translated by Major Macgregor. Poetry Codex. https://poetrycodex.com/poem/petrarch/254/.
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More by Francesco Petrarca (Petrarch)
- Canzone IV (In Life): He Grieves in Absence from Laura
- Sonnet LXXXVII (In Life): He is Bewildered at the Unexpected Arrival of Laura
- Sonnet CL (In Life): He is Continually in Fear of Displeasing Her
- Sonnet CCXXII (In Life): The Beauty of Laura is Peerless
- Sonnet LX (In Death): He Prays That She Will Be Near Him at His Death, Which He Feels Approaching