Note 156 — 1837
Reading edition
The second of the two sonnets translated by Wordsworth is No. lxxiii. in Signor Cesare Guastî’s edition of Michael Angelo (1863).
At the Foot of the Cross.
Scaro d’un’ importuna.
It was evidently written in old age. The following is Mr. John Addington Symond’s translation of the same sonnet.
Freed from a burden sore and grievous band, Dear Lord, and from this wearying world untied, Like a frail bark I turn me to Thy side, As from a fierce storm to a tranquil land. Thy thorns, Thy nails, and either bleeding hand, With Thy mild gentle piteous face, provide Promise of help and mercies multiplied, And hope that yet my soul secure may stand. Let not Thy holy eyes be just to see My evil part, Thy chastened ears to hear, And stretch the arm of judgment to my crime: Let Thy blood only love and succour me, Yielding more perfect pardon, better cheer, As older still I grow with lengthening time.
The Sonnets of Michael Angelo Buonarroti and Tomaso Campanella, by John Addington Symonds, p. 110.
Compare Wordsworth’s translation of other three sonnets by Michael Angelo (vol. iii. pp. 380-384).—Ed.