Translation From Vittorelli. - On A Nun.

Sonnet composed in the name of a father, whose daughter had recently died shortly after her marriage; and addressed to the father of her who had lately taken the veil.     Of two fair virgins, modest, though admired,     Heaven made us happy; and now, wretched sires,     Heaven for a nobler doom their worth desires,     And gazing upon either, both required.     Mine, while the torch of Hymen newly fired     Becomes extinguished, - soon - too soon expires;     But thine, within the closing grate retired,     Eternal 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,     Rush, - the swoln flood of bitterness I pour,     And knock, and knock, and knock - but none replies.                 [First published, Childe Harold, Canto IV., 1818.]