Ronsard sonnet for Mary, Queen of Scots: 16th century

 

Encores que la mer du bien loin nous sépare, Si est-ce que l'esclair de vostre beau soleil, De vostre oeil qui n'a point au monde de pareil, Jamais loin de mon coeur par le temps ne s'égare.

Though still today the sea's broad barrier lies between Us two, yet still the noble light of your bright sun, Of your unmatchèd eyes, equalled so far by none, Away from my sad heart it never long has been.

Royne, qui enfermez une royne si rare, Adoucissez vostre ire et changez de conseil; Le soleil se levant et allant au sommeil Ne voit point en la terre un acte si barbare.

Oh queen, who can in prison keep so fair a queen, Oh soften now your anger; your old counsels shun; The sun from morn till night through all its daily run A deed so savage in no land on earth has seen.

People, vous forlignez, aux armes nonchalant, De vos ayeux Renauld, Lancelot et Roland, Qui prenoient d'un grand coeur pour les dames querelle; Les gardoient, les sauvoient, ou vous n'avez, François, ny ose regarder ny toucher le harnois Pour oster de servage une royne si belle.

My people, careless of your arms. you treason show To your fam'd forebears, Roland, Lancelot, Renauld, Great hearts who made of ladies' causes their affair, Took care of them and saved them; while you, François, here You have not dared to seek or touch your warrior's gear To save from servitude a royal lady fair.