398 POEMS 
SONNETS FROM CAMOENS 
[Mrs. Browning in “ Catarina to Camoens” represents her as be- 
queathing him the ribbon from her hair ; but she in reality gave it to 
him during her life as a substitute for the ringlet for which he 
pleaded.] 
(42.) 
“ Lindo e subtil trangado, que ficaste.” 
O RIBBON fair, that dost with me remain 
In pawn for that sweet gift I do deserve, 
If but to win thee makes my reason swerve, 
What were it if one ringlet I could gain? 
Those golden locks thy circling knots restrain, 
Locks whose bright rays might well for sun- 
beams serve, 
When thou unloosest each fair coil and curve, 
Oh is it to beguile, or slay with pain? 
Dear ribbon, in my hand I hold thee now ; 
And were it only to assuage my grief, 
Since I can have thee only, cling to thee, 
Yet tell her, thou canst never fill my vow, 
But in the reckoning of love’s fond belief 
This gift for that whole debt a pledge shall 
be. 
