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Classic and Contemporary Poetry


SONNET by DANTE ALIGHIERI

First Line: UPON THIS DAY WHICH HATH BUT LATELY SPED
Last Line: WHO TARRIETH NEAR TO HER, THRICE HAPPY HE!
Subject(s): ITALIAN RENAISSANCE; LOVE; WISHES;

UPON this day which hath but lately sped,
Of all the saints, I saw a gracious band
Of maidens pass; one moved a pace ahead
And she was leading Love by her right hand.
Forth from her eyes there issued such bright fire
As seemed to me a spirit wrapped in flame:
Seeking her face, emboldened by desire,
I knew an angel's features were the same.
And she, with kindness and calm courtesy,
Saluted them whom fortune did so bless,
Thus moving every heart to tenderness.
I trow that up in heaven a star was born
And came to comfort us on earth forlorn;
Who tarrieth near to her, thrice happy he!



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