WHEREIN HE IS BROUGHT BY LAURA'S LOVELINESS TO THE CONTEMPLATION OF THE HIGHEST EXCELLENCE

When Love his flaming image on her brow
Enthrones in perfect beauty like a star,
As far as she outshines the rest, so far
I feel the blaze of passion surge and grow.
Yet still I bless the place, the hour when so
Supremely high, at light so singular
I dared to look: " O heart, you blessed are
To gaze upon that pure, that golden glow, "
I murmur. " She inspired the splendid thought
Which points to heaven and teaches honest eyes
All worldly lures and winnings to despise:
Through her that gentle grace of love is taught
Which by the straight path leads to paradise,
And even here hope's holy crown is wrought. "