"Had I with heavenly arms 'gainst self and sense And human reason waged successful war, Then with a different spirit soaring far I'd fly the world's vain glory and pretence. Then soaring thought on wings of faith might rise Armed by a hope no longer vain or frail Far from the madness of this earthly vale, Led by true virtue towards its native skies. That better aim is ever in my sight, Of man's existence; but not yet 'tis mine To speed sure-footed on the happy way. Signs of the rising sun and coming day I see; but enter not the courts divine Whose holy portals lead to perfect light." A touch of similar feeling may be observed also in the following sonnet, united with more of poetical feeling and expression. Indeed, this sonnet may be offered as a specimen of the author's happiest efforts.— "Fra gelo e nebbia corro a Dio sovente Per foco e lume, onde i ghiacci disciolti Sieno, e gli ombrosi veli aperti e tolti Dalla divina luce e fiamma ardente. E se fredda ed oscura è ancor la mente, Pur son tutti i pensieri al ciel rivolti; E par che dentro in gran silenzio ascolti Un suon, che sol nell'anima si sente; E dice; Non temer, chè venne al mondo Gesù d'eterno ben largo ampio mare, Per far leggiero ogni gravoso pondo. Sempre son l'onde sue più dolci e chiare A chi con umil barca in quel gran fondo Dell'alta sua bontà si lascia andare." [Sidenote: DEVOTIONAL SONNETS.] If the reader, who is able to form a judgment of the poetical merit of this sonnet only from the subjoined translation, should fail to find in it anything to justify the opinion that has been expressed of it, he is entreated to believe that the fault is that of the translator, who can promise only that the sense has been faithfully rendered:— "Ofttimes to God through frost and cloud I go For light and warmth to break my icy chain, And pierce and rend my veils of doubt in twain With his divinest love, and radiant glow. And if my soul sit cold and dark below Yet all her longings fixed on heaven remain; And seems she 'mid deep silence to a strain To listen, which the soul alone can know,— Saying, Fear nought! for Jesus came on earth,— Jesus of endless joys the wide deep sea, To ease each heavy load of mortal birth. His waters ever clearest, sweetest be To him, who in a lonely bark drifts forth, On his great deeps of goodness trustfully."