CHARLES IX TO RONSARD

Translated from the original.

Thy spirit is more gay, Ronsard, than mine. But young and strong my frame excelleth thine, Although in knowledge, I fall thee below, By as much as my spring excels thy snow. The poet's art when fittingly pursued More reverently than the monarch's should be viewed, We both possess a crown, but what I owe To others, thou on others dost bestow ; Thy spirit, kindled by a spark divine, Shines of itself, while but through rank I shine : Enquire I how the gods our merits rate. Thou art their favourite, I their delegate, Thy lyre which pours so ravishing a lay Subjects men's minds, bodies alone I sway. It causeth thee to enter and to reign Where fiercest tyrants ne'er to power attain, Hearts own its softening sway nor beauty less, Ï can give death to man, thou deathlessness.