C.D. Warner, et al., comp. The Library of the World’s Best Literature.
An Anthology in Thirty Volumes. 1917.

Her Counsel Alone Affords him Relief

“Nè mai pietosa madre al caro figlio”

Translation of Barbarina, Lady Dacre

NE’ER to the son in whom her age is blest,

The anxious mother,—nor to her loved lord

The wedded dame, impending ill to ward,—

With careful sighs so faithful counsel pressed,

As she who, from her high eternal rest,

Bending as though my exile she deplored,

With all her wonted tenderness restored,

And softer pity on her brow impressed!

Now with a mother’s fears, and now as one

Who loves with chaste affection, in her speech

She points what to pursue and what to shun!

Our years retracing of long, various grief,

Wooing my soul at higher good to reach,

And while she speaks, my bosom finds relief!