Sonnet CLXXXIV
[Pg 198]
SONNET CLXXXIV.
Onde tolse Amor l' oro e di qual vena.
THE CHARMS OF HER COUNTENANCE AND VOICE.
Whence could Love take the gold, and from what vein,To form those bright twin locks? What thorn could growThose roses? And what mead that white bestowOf the fresh dews, which pulse and breath obtain?Whence came those pearls that modestly restrainAccents which courteous, sweet, and rare can flow?And whence those charms that so divinely show,Spread o'er a face serene as heaven's blue plain?Taught by what angel, or what tuneful sphere,Was that celestial song, which doth dispenseSuch potent magic to the ravish'd ear?What sun illumed those bright commanding eyes,Which now look peaceful, now in hostile guise;Now torture me with hope, and now with fear?
Nott. Say, from what vein did Love procure the goldTo make those sunny tresses? From what thornStole he the rose, and whence the dew of morn,Bidding them breathe and live in Beauty's mould?What depth of ocean gave the pearls that toldThose gentle accents sweet, though rarely born?Whence came so many graces to adornThat brow more fair than summer skies unfold?Oh! say what angels lead, what spheres controlThe song divine which wastes my life away?(Who can with trifles now my senses move?)What sun gave birth unto the lofty soulOf those enchanting eyes, whose glances strayTo burn and freeze my heart—the sport of Love?