Giovanni Cotta (1668–1738)

Translated by James Glassford, of Dougalston

“CEASE,” the belovëd said, “oh, cease from those

Complaining sighs, fair one, and wipe the tear;

Come to my side, thy lord invites thee near,

Come reign with me, my dove, my pleasant spouse.

Winter is gone, again the damask rose,

And lily sweet, and summer buds appear,

And the loud north, which filled the flocks with fear,

And sounded through the wood, no longer blows.

The turtle’s tender voice is in the land,

And calls the shepherd to his early care

Among the vines, flitting from spray to spray.

Arise, celestial flowers for thee my hand

Hath gathered, O thou fair among the fair;

Arise, my love, my spouse, and come away.”