Pietro Metastasio (1698–1782)

Translated by James Glassford, of Dougalston
Leggiadra Rosa

O FAIR unsullied Rose, whose leaf was fed

With sweetest dews, and drank the morning ray;

Whose graceful bud now bending on the spray,

Fanned by Aurora’s breath, puts on the red;

That careful hand which plucks thee from thy bed

Removes thee only to a brighter day,

Where stripped of thorn, and never to decay,

Thy choicer beauties may unmingled spread.

Thus art thou planted a perennial flower,

Far from this fickle region full of gloom,

Which winds disturb, and frost and sweeping shower,

A faithful Guardian tends thee now, by Whom

Secured thou shalt combine, in peaceful bower,

Immortal fragrance with immortal bloom.