In qual parte del ciel, in quale idea
era l’esempio, onde Natura tolse
quel bel viso leggiadro, in ch’ella volse
mostrar qua giù quanto lassù potea?
Qual ninfa in fonti, in selve mai qual dea,
chiome d’oro sì fino a l’aura sciolse?
quando un cor tante in sé vertuti accolse?
benché la somma è di mia morte rea.
Per divina bellezza indarno mira
chi gli occhi de costei già mai non vide
come soavemente ella gli gira;
non sa come Amor sana, e come ancide,
chi non sa come dolce ella sospira,
e come dolce parla, e dolce ride.
English translation
From what part of the heaven, from what example
brought was the mould whence Nature hath derived
that sweet face full of beauty in which she strived
to prove in earth her power above was ample?
Was never nymph nor silvane queen adored
that so dainty fine locks in air displayed
nor heart divine with sao great virtue stored,
yet by her looks my life is all betrayed.
In vain he seeketh for beauty that excelleth
that hath not seen her eyes where love sejourneth,
how sweetly here and there the same she turneth;
He knows not how love heals and how he quelleth
that knows not how she sighs and sweet beguileth
and how sweetly speaks and sweetly smileth.