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

Sonnet Found in Laura’s Tomb

“Qui reposan quei caste e felice ossa”

Translation of Alexander Fraser Tytler, Lord Woodhouselee

HERE now repose those chaste, those blest remains

Of that most gentle spirit, sole in earth!

Harsh monumental stone, that here confinest

True honor, fame, and beauty, all o’erthrown!

Death has destroyed that Laurel green, and torn

Its tender roots; and all the noble meed

Of my long warfare, passing (if aright

My melancholy reckoning holds) four lustres.

O happy plant! Avignon’s favored soil

Has seen thee spring and die;—and here with thee

Thy poet’s pen, and Muse, and genius lies.

O lovely beauteous limbs! O vivid fire,

That even in death hast power to melt the soul!

Heaven be thy portion, peace with God on high!