Fresca Rosa Novella, Perch'i' No Spero di Tornai Giammai & Era in penser d’amour quand‘i’ trovai

By Guido Cavalcanti

Featured in New Lyre Summer 2023

Fresca Rosa Novella 

Beautiful new rose, 
Precious renewer, 
By field and river 
I’ll happily sing 
Your every blessing—to the blooming verdure. 

Your sacred blessings 
Are rejoiced in both 
Age and in youth 
Upon all crossings. 
And each bird sings 
From its green dwelling, 
Morning to evening, 
To the trees and springs. 
Upon that time and place 
All the world sings, 
And gives offerings 
In honor of your grace, 
To that angelic face—that heavenly creature. 

An angel’s graces, 
Lady, in you are seated; 
Oh Lord, how daring 
Are my heart’s wishes! 
Your resplendent gait 
Ventures beyond 
Nature and custom, 
A miracle of fate. 
Among the ladies 
They recognize you, 
A source of virtue, 
Past all compare, 
For who would dare—fathom such nature? 

For you were conceived 
Beyond worldly nature 
By the creator 
To be immortally wreathed: 
With your ardent gaze 
Approaching me 
Providence no longer seems to be 
Of such cruel ways. 
And if gazing lovingly 
Should seem an offence, 
I offer repentance— 
Know Love forces me, 
For whom there is no mercy—nor measure. 

Translations © David B. Gosselin