Joachim du Bellay (1552–1560)

Translated by Austin Dobson
Regrets

ALAS! where now doth scorn of fortune hide?

And where the heart that still must conqueror be;

Where the strong hope of immortality,

And that fine flame to common souls denied?

Where is the joyance which at eventide,

Through the brown night the silver moon could see,

With all the Nine, whenas, in fancy free,

I led them dance, some sacred stream beside?

Dame Fortune now is mistress of my soul,

And this my heart that I would fain control,

Is grown the thrall of many a fear and sigh.

For after-time no more have I desire;

No more within I feel that ancient fire,

And the sweet Muses turn from me, and fly.