Rules of an Italian Sonnet:
The 14 lines of the Italian Sonnet are divided into two parts: an octave (the first 8 lines ) and
the sestet (the last six lines). The usual rhyme scheme for the octave is abbaabba. The rhyme
scheme for the sestet may be cdecde, cdccdc, or a similar variation. The octave generally
presents a problem or raises a question and the sestet resolves or comments on the question.
Spenser Sonnet
Rapt* in the one fond thought that makes me stay
from other men and walk this world alone,
sometimes I have escaped myself and flown
to seek the very one that I should flee;
so fair and fell* I see her passing by
that the soul trembles to take flight again,
so many armed sighs are in her train*
this lovely foe to Love himself and me!
And yet, upon that high and clouded brow
I seem to see a ray of pity shine,
Shedding some light across the grieving heart;
so I call back my soul, and when I vow
at last to tell her of my hidden pain,
I have so much to say I dare not start.
Translate the poem into modern terms.
