Читать книгу The Colour of Heaven - James Runcie, James Runcie - Страница 7

Sapphire, nor diamond, nor emerald,

Nor other precious stones past reckoning,

Topaz, nor pearl, nor ruby like a king,

Nor that most virtuous jewel, jasper call’d,

Nor amethyst, nor onyx, nor basalt,

Each counted for a very marvellous thing,

Is half so excellently gladdening

As is my lady’s head uncoronall’d.

All beauty by her beauty is made dim;

Like to the stars she is for loftiness;

And with her voice she taketh away grief.

She is fairer than a bud, or than a leaf.

Christ have her well in keeping, of His grace,

And make her holy and beloved, like Him!

Jacopo da Lentino, 1250

Translated by Dante Gabriel Rossetti