Guido Guinicelli (c. 1230–1276?)

Translated by Henry Francis Cary

I WOULD from truth my lady’s praise supply,

Resembling her to lily and to rose;

Brighter than morning’s lucid star she shows,

And fair as that which fairest is on high.

To the blue wave, I liken her, and sky,

All colour that with pink and crimson glows,

Gold, silver, and rich stones: nay, lovelier grows

E’en Love itself, when she is standing by.

She passeth on so gracious and so mild,

One’s pride is quenched, and one, if sick, is well:

And they believe, who from the faith did err;

And none may near her come by harm defiled:

A mightier virtue have I yet to tell,—

No man may think of evil seeing her.