Classic Poem

FROM THE VITA NUOVA OF DANTE ALIGHIERI

So gentle seems my lady and so pure
When she greets any one, that scarce the eye
Such modesty and brightness can endure,
And the tongue, trembling, falters in reply.
She never heeds, when people praise her worth, —
Some in their speech, and many with a pen, —
But meekly moves, as if sent down to earth
To show another miracle to men!
And such a pleasure from her presence grows
On him who gazeth, while she passeth by, —
A sense of sweetness that no mortal knows
Who hath not felt it, — that the soul's repose
Is woke to worship, and a spirit flows
Forth from her face that seems to whisper, " Sigh! "