Part 12 (1/2)

_Giunto e gia._

Now hath my life across a stormy sea Like a frail bark reached that wide port where all Are bidden, ere the final reckoning fall Of good and evil for eternity.

Now know I well how that fond phantasy Which made my soul the wors.h.i.+pper and thrall Of earthly art, is vain; how criminal Is that which all men seek unwillingly.

Those amorous thoughts which were so lightly dressed, What are they when the double death is nigh?

The one I know for sure, the other dread.

Painting nor sculpture now can lull to rest My soul that turns to His great love on high, Whose arms to clasp us on the cross were spread.

LXVI.

TO GIORGIO VASARI.

_VANITY OF VANITIES._

_Le favole del mondo._

The fables of the world have filched away The time I had for thinking upon G.o.d; His grace lies buried 'neath oblivion's sod, Whence springs an evil crop of sins alway.

What makes another wise, leads me astray, Slow to discern the bad path I have trod: Hope fades; but still desire ascends that G.o.d May free me from self-love, my sure decay.

Shorten half-way my road to heaven from earth!

Dear Lord, I cannot even half-way rise, Unless Thou help me on this pilgrimage.

Teach me to hate the world so little worth, And all the lovely things I clasp and prize; That endless life, ere death, may be my wage.

LXVII.

_A PRAYER FOR FAITH._

_Non e piu ba.s.sa._

There's not on earth a thing more vile and base Than, lacking Thee, I feel myself to be: For pardon prays my own debility, Yearning in vain to lift me to Thy face.

Stretch to me, Lord, that chain whose links enlace All heavenly gifts and all felicity-- Faith, whereunto I strive perpetually, Yet cannot find (my fault) her perfect grace.

That gift of gifts, the rarer 'tis, the more I count it great; more great, because to earth Without it neither peace nor joy is given.

If Thou Thy blood so lovingly didst pour, Let not that bounty fail or suffer dearth, Withholding Faith that opes the doors of heaven.