University of Virginia Library

BERNARDO DA BOLOGNA TO GUIDO CAVALCANTI

Sonnet

He writes to Guido, telling him of the Love which a certain Pinella showed on seeing him

Unto that lowly lovely maid, I wis,
So poignant in the heart was thy salute,
That she changed countenance, remaining mute.
Wherefore I asked: “Pinella, how is this?
Hast heard of Guido? know'st thou who he is?”
She answered, “Yea;” then paused, irresolute;
But I saw well how the love-wounds acute
Were widened, and the star which Love calls his
Filled her with gentle brightness perfectly.
“But, friend, an't please thee, I would have it told,”
She said, “how I am known to him through thee.
Yet since, scarce seen, I knew his name of old,—
Even as the riddle is read, so must it be.
Oh! send him love of mine a thousand-fold!”