Page:Some Love Songs of Petrarch.pdf/4



Across the centuries and in every land His name is honoured still. In that long night When learning's flame was quenched, it was his hand That lit the torch and brought the welcome light. So says the world, and yet we treasure more These songs that tell of frailties like our own— The fruitless love which many a year he bore That grew the brighter when its hope was gone. The lays wherein his passion was enshrined Outlast the ages. While from day to day I read his lines, old age is left behind And youth returns; these scattered locks of gray Turn brown once more, and solemn wisdom dies Under the witchery of my lady's eyes.