Esther M. Zimmer Lederberg
Petrarch Sonnet IX

Dreams bore my fancy to that region where
     She dwells whom here I seek, but cannot see.
     ’Mid those who in the loftiest heaven be
I looked on her, less haughty and more fair.

She took my hand, she said, “Within this sphere,
     If hope deceive not, thou shalt dwell with me:
     I filled thy life with war’s wild agony;
Mine own day closed ere evening could appear.

My bliss no human thought can understand;
I wait for thee alone, and that fair veil
Of beauty thou dost love shall yet retain.”

Why was she silent then, why dropped my hand
Ere those delicious tones could quite avail
To bid my mortal soul in heaven remain?

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