Francesco Coppetta

Translated by James Glassford, of Dougalston

OF gold and diamond were the roof and wall,

And windows sapphire, where my palace rose;

With ivory gate, through which, as fancy chose,

Went forth the dream that planned and built it all:

While from this perfect and so gorgeous hall

Harmonious voices seem to float, like those

Of quiring angels, and at every close

Ravish the sense, and hold the mind in thrall.

At last I wake. But oh, how morning scowls

On goodliest fabric which our sleep has reared!

The lofty palace proves a dingy cot;

That heavenly music was from hooting owls;

And where the gold and sparkling gems appeared,

Lie heaps of straw, and worthless weeds that rot.