After Petrarch — Li angeli eletti e l’anime beate

The day my lady entered into grace
the angels and the spirits of the blest
— the citizens of Heaven — gathered round
in wonderment and reverence. They said,

‘Throughout this age, since One rose from the dead,
never such light, such beauty have we found
arising in a soul who seeks her rest
from sinful earth in this high dwelling place.’

She who has gladly changed her soul’s abode
is perfect among equals in that sphere.
Sometimes she turns and looks down at me here

to see how far I’ve travelled on the road.
Then all my longing thoughts to Heaven I raise.
I hear her. ‘Hurry after me,’ she prays.