Ezra Pound

Sonnet: Chi E Questa? [Who is She?]

Who is she coming, that the roses bend Their shameless heads to do her passing honour? Who is she coming with a light upon her Not born of suns that with the day's end end? Say is it Love who hath chosen the nobler part? Say is it Love, that was divinity, Who hath left his godhead that his home might be The shameless rose of her unclouded heart? If this be Love, where hath he won such grace? If this be love, how is the evil wrought, That all men write against his darkened name? If this be Love, if this . . . O mind give place! What holy mystery e'er was noosed in thought? Own that thou scan'st her not, nor count it shame! Note by Richard Sieburth: An imitation of a sonnet by Guido Calvacanti (c. 1255-1300) entitled "Chi e questa che vien, ch'ogni uom la mira" (translated by Pound as "Who is she coming, drawing all men's gaze? ")