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Classic and Contemporary Poetry


CANZONE: HIS LAMENT FOR SELVAGGIA by CINO DA PISTOIA

First Line: AY ME, ALAS! THE BEAUTIFUL BRIGHT HAIR
Last Line: O DEATH, TO LET ME LIVE WHEN SHE IS DEAD?
Subject(s): ITALIAN RENAISSANCE; LAMENT; LOVE;

AY me, alas! the beautiful bright hair
That shed reflected gold
O'er the green growths on either side of the way:
Ay me! the lovely look, open and fair,
Which my heart's core doth hold
With all else of that best remembered day;
Ay me! the face made gay
With joy that Love confers;
Ay me! that smile of hers
Where whiteness as of snow was visible
Among the roses at all seasons red!
Ay me! and was this well,
O Death, to let me live when she is dead?



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