L'Envoi

by Michelangelo Buonarroti

 

I, who have worn engraved upon my heart
For years the image of your face,
Now that my death draws near,
I only ask the grace
Of having it engraved upon my soul;
So that, serene and free
My soul may part from me,
For, Lady, only thus shall it be strong:
Bearing your beauty like a sacred cross
Through realms where winds and storms and demons toss.

I shall return your loveliness to heaven,
Where Nature, seeing you, stole you away;
And I will give you back again to angels
Who, dazzled, shall confer
To make a face as pure
And beautiful as yours,
And send it down to earth, as heaven's grace;
That all the world below
May clasp their heart and know
How gentle and how beautiful you were.

 

— translated by Rudi Matic