Rime (LXIX)

LXIX 
   
  Di donne io vidi una gentile schiera 
    questo Ognissanti prossimo passato, 
    e una ne venia quasi imprimiera, 
    veggendosi l'Amor dal destro lato. 
    De gli occhi suoi gittava una lumera, 
    la qual parea un spirito infiammato; 
    e i' ebbi tanto ardir ch' in la sua cera 
    guarda', [e vidi] un angiol figurato. 
  A chi era degno donava salute 
    co gli atti suoi quella benigna e piana, 
    e 'mpiva 'l core a ciascun di vertute. 
    Credo che de lo ciel fosse soprana, 
    e venne in terra per nostra salute: 
    là 'nd'è beata chi l'è prossimana. 
   
   
  
LXIX

   Last All Saints' Day I saw a lovely group 
of ladies, and one seemed to be 
at their head, Love being visible 
at her right hand. 
From her eyes she cast a light 
that seemed like a spirit aflame. 
And I made so bold as to look into her face, 
and I saw an angel imaged there. 
   Kindly and gentle, she greeted with voice 
and gesture those who were worthy of such 
honour, filling each one's heart with goodness. 
I believe she was a high being of heaven, 
come down on earth for our salvation; 
hence every woman with her is blessed.