Classic Poem

WHEREIN LAURA, TURNING TO SALUTE HIM, THE SUN IN A JEALOUS FIT RETREATS BEHIND A CLOUD

Between two lovers I espied a lady,
Proud, though of virtue: one of those with her
Was he to whom the heavens and earth defer;
The sun on his side stood, I on the shady.
Jealous he grew, then scarce an instant stayed he,
But fled — and all my heart was set astir
To feel her eyes on me: hope knew the spur
Of joy. Now will she prove less cold ... Already
The envious fear which sprang up in my heart
At the first glimpse of my gold rival felt
A cordial glow like laughter through it melt;
Suddenly in chagrin he drew apart
From further gaze behind a little cloud,
So, ruffled then, he perished in his shroud.