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The Works of Dante Gabriel Rossetti

Edited with Preface and Notes by William M. Rossetti: Revised and Enlarged Edition

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DELLO DA SIGNA
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463

DELLO DA SIGNA

Ballata

His Creed of Ideal Love

Prohibiting all hope
Of the fulfilment of the joy of love,
My lady chose me for her lover still.
So am I lifted up
To trust her heart which piteous pulses move,
Her face which is her joy made visible.
Nor have I any fear
Lest love and service should be met with scorn,
Nor doubt that thus I shall rejoice the more.
For ruth is born of prayer;
Also, of ruth delicious love is born;
And service wrought makes glad the servitor.
Behold, I, serving more than others, love
One lovely more than all:
And, singing and exulting, look for joy
There where my homage is for ever paid.
And, for I know she does not disapprove
If on her grace I call,
My soul's good trust I will not yet destroy,
Though Love's fulfilment stand prohibited.