James and Mary Ford, eds. Every Day in the Year. 1902.
December 8To Christina of Sweden
By William Cowper, trans. (17311800)From the Latin and Italian poems of Milton
C
Star of the North! of northern stars the queen!
Behold what wrinkles I have earned, and how
The iron casque still chafes my veteran brow,
While, following Fate’s dark footsteps, I fulfil
The dictates of a hardy people’s will.
But softened in thy sight my looks appear,
Not to all queens or kings alike severe.