LINES TO DIANA OF POITIERS

Translated from the poem by Henry II^\ sm of Francis /-, dkd me. Oh 1 my fair princess ! never was there sworn To new crown'd sovereign a firmer faith Than my love is which nor by time nor death From thy possession ever can be torn.

Deep sunken trenches and strong builded towers The fortress of my heart requireth not; I gave you there a queen's and ruler's powers, And change can never in that place be wrought, Through gold its constancy can ne'er depart, A cause so worthless moves no gentle heart.

SONNET

Translated from a poem by Joachim du Bellay (15ii-1535). On high hill top I saw a stately frame A hundred cubits high by just assize, With hundred pillars fronting fair the same; All wrought with diamonds after Doric wise. Nor brick nor marble was the wall to view, But shining crystal which from top to base Out of its womb a thousand bright rays threw On hundred steps of Afric's gold enchase ; Gold was its grand floor and the ceiling bright Did shine all scaly with great plates of gold ; The floor of jasp and emerald was dight. Oh! world's vainness! Whilst this I did behold. An earthquake shook the hill from lowest seat And overthrew this frame with ruin meet.