In simple and plain words those saints wrote of

In simple and plain words those saints wrote of
God's acts, splendid presence, regal command,
radiant community here on earth,
of the bright light that forever shines in

Paradise--the truth has a force that needs
no art. So too I write in praise of you--
whom I believe unique, as best I can,
as truth demands to be told. Don't disdain

these lines--they are a kind of engraving,
a circle of gems, a modest pleasure
which can't obscure such haunting radiance.

Your searching exacting integrity
is the richest treasure--the inward thing
my low bare style fits, is part of, transcribes.

An image of the Italian text from Visconti's 1840 edition
Notes:
From V CCII:362. See B S1:139:154; MSs L, A, CASI, Cor, RA, VI, Ve2, Ve4; Valgrisi 140. To Giovanni Guidiccioni. Dionisotti ("Appunti", p. 268) connects to Guidiccioni's oration in defense of people of Lucca in 1533; see also 1538 edition. One MS says it's to Bembo, but the high praise for excellent poetry suggests Guidiccioni's melancholy lapidary quality. Key

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