THE AUTHOR’S SONNET

TO THE MOST SERENE AND

IMMORTAL QUEEN OF FRANCE, In 1551, the Queen of France was Catherine de' Medici, an Italian noblewoman from the powerful Florentine family who exerted significant influence over the French court and the arts.

LADY OF THE ENTIRE WORK.

This firm refuge against my fierce times, original: "fier tempo"; likely referring to the political instability or personal hardships of the mid-16th century.
Which neither fortune nor death’s concern can touch,
I consecrate to France’s foremost high Fortune, original: "Ventura"; personified Fortune or Luck, here associated with the Queen herself.
To your name, forever immortal and clear.
Nor do I fear that the rapid, greedy Heaven,
Which makes a thief of itself with the most beautiful Glories, A poetic way of saying that time and fate eventually steal away all earthly achievements.
May disturb your pure, immovable mind,
Your illustrious deeds, or your worthy and noble reign.
But indeed that mercy, and that always-striving,
Unconquered soul, intent on doing graceful things,
I see rising so far above itself,
That every other royal light being extinguished,
It alone may shine and rule by high decree,
To which a thousand noble Crowns original: "alme Corone"; "alme" can mean nourishing, soul-giving, or noble. now give their praise.

Exchange from Otto Fleischner Oct. 31. 1902