Samuel Waddington, comp. The Sonnets of Europe. 1888.
To Monsieur De la Mothe le Vayer, upon the Death of His SonMolière (16221673)
Translated by Austin Dobson
L
None of scant cause thy sorrowing can accuse,
Since, losing that which thou for aye dost lose,
E’en the most wise might find a ground for woe.
The drops of pity that are Pity’s dues;
And Nature’s self, indignant, doth refuse
To count for fortitude that heartless show.
The son too dear, by Death untimely ta’en;
Yet, not the less, his loss is hard to bear,
Large heart, keen wit, a lofty soul and rare,
—Surely these claim eternity of tears!