This is the last in Greiffenberg's series of spring sonnets. It felt like an appropriate choice for moving from spring toward summer, especially since yesterday happened to be the summer solstice.
Empress of the stars, heaven’s worthy crown,
the wide world’s eye, soul of the universe!
Centre of streaming rays, source of beauty and pleasure,
life of all things, clarity’s shining throne,
light-bringer to all, treasure-house of rapture,
mirror of the Highest (nothing shows God so clearly);
the picture of constant motion in your swift speed,
you golden wonder-well, singular sun!
A ship on which God sends us gifts of life,
a carriage carrying heaven’s blessings;
monarch of time, ruler of days and years,
whose noble presence quickens all the lands.
Beautiful blessing-tree, planted by God’s hand!
out of your blossoming rays the Maker’s beauty shines.
Click here to read this sonnet in the original German. (In the online version we've been using for the originals, today's sonnet is paired with the "Little Rain" sonnet we posted two weeks ago, so you'll have to scroll all the way to the bottom of the page.)
