Francesco Petrarca (1304–1374)

Translated by Charles Bagot Cayley

THE SUCCESSOR of Charles, who with the same

Great founder’s diadem his locks hath dight,

Already taketh arms, the horns to smite

Of Babylon, and him that bears its name;

And Christ’s own Vicar will his home reclaim,

And seek Bologna and Rome’s imperial sight,

Charged with his mantle and his keys aright,

If froward Fortune thwarteth not his aim.

Now will your meek and gracious Lamb the abhorred

Wolves overthrow; and be this aye the fate

Of him that breaketh wedded Love’s accord.

Now comfort, therefore, her that hath to wait,

And Rome complaining ’gainst her absent lord,

And your girt swords to Jesus dedicate.