Translation from Vittorelli: On a Nun

Sonnet composed in the name of a father, whose daughter hadrecently died shortly after her marriage; and addressed to thefather of her who had lately taken the veil.

Of two fair virgins, modest, though admired,Heaven made us happy; and now, wretched sires,5Heaven for a nobler doom their worth desires,And gazing upon either, both required.

Mine, while the torch of Hymen newly firedBecomes extinguished,--soon--too soon expires;But thine, within the closing grate retired,10Eternal captive, to her God aspires.

But thou at least from out the jealous door,Which shuts between your never-meeting eyes,May'st hear her sweet and pious voice once more:

I to the marble, where my daughter lies,15Rush,--the swoln flood of bitterness I pour,And knock, and knock, and knock--but none replies.