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

Whoever Beholds her must Admit that his Praises cannot Reach Laura’s Perfection

“Chi vuol veder quantunque può Natura”

Translation of Translation of James Caulfeild, Lord Charlemont

WHO wishes to behold the utmost might

Of Heaven and Nature, on her let him gaze,—

Sole sun, not only in my partial lays,

But to the dark world, blind to virtue’s light!

And let him haste to view: for death in spite

The guilty leaves, and on the virtuous preys;

For this loved angel heaven impatient stays;

And mortal charms are transient as they’re bright!

Here shall he see, if timely he arrive,

Virtue and beauty, royalty of mind,

In one blest union joined. Then shall he say

That vainly my weak rhymes to praise her strive,

Whose dazzling beams have struck my genius blind;

He must forever weep if he delay!