Sonnets II and IV
Mikolaj Sep-Szarzynski (c. 1550-1581)
Translated by Steven Clancy
Sonnet II
On those words of Job: Homo natus de muliere, brevi vivens tempore etc.
In shame is man conceived, through pain is born,
And brief the time upon this earth he goes
In life inconstant, full of fears and woes.
He dies, a shadow by the sun forlorn.
And yet from such a man (O Endless God,
Within Thyself glorified and blissfully
Living through Thyself) almost wistfully
Dost Thou desire--from him!--both love and laud.
Wondrous the works of Thy charity are,
At which Cherubim (comprehension's crest)
Wonder bemused and righteous burns afar
The flame, the Seraphim, in love's sweet zest.
O most Holy Lord, would that we too had,
To give thee back, that which thou have hast bade!
Sonnet IV
On our war waged with Satan, the World, and the Body
Peace is happiness, but war is our plight
Under the heavens. He -- prince of the night,
Severe captain-- and the World's vanity
Work for our corruption diligently.
Not enough is this, mighty Lord of all!
The Body, our home for fleeting pleasures,
Envies heedlessly the Spirit's treasures
Constantly craving our eternal fall.
How shall I wage a battle so terrible,
Frail, yet headstrong, a soul in isolation?
King Universal, Peace most veritable,
In Thee alone is hope of my salvation!
Do Thou, Lord, place me safely next to Thee
I will battle and win decisively!
Translated by Steven Clancy
The Polish originals can be found in Mikolaj Sep-Szarzynski, Rytmy albo wiersze polskie, edited by Jadwiga Sokolowska (Warsaw: PIW, 1957).
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