Page:Sonnets and Ballate of Guido Cavalcanti.djvu/119

 EING in thought of love I came upon Two damsels strange Who sang, “The joyous rains Of love descend within us.”

So quiet in their modest courtesies Their aspect coming softly on my vision Made me reply, “Surely ye hold the keys O’ the virtues noble, high, without omission. Ah, little maids, hold me not in derision, For the wound I bear within me And this heart o’ mine ha’ slain me. I was in Toulouse lately.”

And then toward me they so turned their eyes That they could see my wounded heart’s ill ease, And how a little spirit born of sighs Had issued forth from out the cicatrice. Perceiving so the depth of my distress, She who was smiling, said, “Love’s joy hath vanquished This man. Behold how greatly!”

Then she who had first mocked me, in better part Gave me all courtesy in her replies.