LXVI.

TO GIORGIO VASARI.

_VANITY OF VANITIES._

_Le favole del mondo._

The fables of the world have filched away The time I had for thinking upon God; His grace lies buried 'neath oblivion's sod, Whence springs an evil crop of sins alway.

What makes another wise, leads me astray, Slow to discern the bad path I have trod: Hope fades; but still desire ascends that God May free me from self-love, my sure decay.

Shorten half-way my road to heaven from earth! Dear Lord, I cannot even half-way rise, Unless Thou help me on this pilgrimage.

Teach me to hate the world so little worth, And all the lovely things I clasp and prize; That endless life, ere death, may be my wage.