Sonnet by Lorenzo de' Medici

[B. Royce 0]

Here is a sonnet by Lorenzo de' Medici, which was translated by L. R. Lind. I think it is a little rough in spots, so I have made a few changes to my liking, which follow. Also, my emphasis on the last two lines is a little different.

I saw my lady by a cool, fresh stream

Among green branches and gay ladies stand;

Since the first hour when I felt love's hot brand

I never saw her face more lovely gleam.

This sight fulfilled in part my fondest dream

And over my soul put reason in command;

But when I left, my heart stayed at her hand,

My fears and grief the greater came to seem.

When now the sun bent downwards to the west,

And left the earth in shadow and in night,

Then my own sun was hidden from its ray.

The setting sun more sadness brought at best.

How all too little lasts this world's best light!

But memory does not so soon fade away.

_________________________________

I saw my lady by a cool, fresh stream

Among green branches where gay ladies stand;

Since that first hour when felt I love's hot brand

I never saw her face more lovely gleam.

This sight fulfilled in part my fondest dream

And o'er my soul put reason in command;

But when I left, my heart stayed at her hand,

And fears and grief the greater so did seem.

When now the sun bends downwards to the west,

And leaves the earth in shadow and in night,

Then my own sun is hidden from its ray.

The setting sun more sadness brings at best.

But though too little lasts this world's best light

My memory stays and does not fade away.