“QUI REPOSAN QUEI CASTE E FELICI OSSA”
SONNET FOUND IN LAURA’S TOMB
HERE now repose those chaste, those blest remains
Of that most gentle spirit. sole in earth!
Harsh monumental stone, that here confinest
True honor, fame, and beauty, all o’erthrown!
Death has destroyed that Laurel green, and torn
Its tender roots; and all the noble meed
Of my long warfare, passing (if aright
My melancholy reckoning holds) four lustres.
O happy plant! Avignon’s favorite soil
Has seen thee spring and die; -- and here with thee
Thy poet’s pen, and Muse, and genius lie.
O lovely beauteous limbs! O vivid fire,
That even in death hast power to melt the soul!
Heaven be thy portion, peace with God on high!
Translation of Lord Woodhouselee.