HANNIBAL PETRONI TO CLAUDIA MALASPADA.
(1559.)
I would that all the sparkling stones that find
Their way to Philip's treasury were mine;
And all the pearls that nations pay in fine
To some victorious soldan of far Ind.
That I might strew the garden paths that wind
Beneath thy casement with all gems that shine,
Fit gravel for no other feet but thine
This summer night, thou shadow on the blind!
Gems have I none. But see, from heaven's hem
The moon is strewing opals for thy feet,
And turns each vulgar pebble to a gem;
Come forth, come forth: the night is warm and sweet,
Each flower sleeps upon its silver'd stem,
And all is hushed, save our two hearts that beat.
