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Dinko Ranjina (1536–1607) A liminal figure, a Mannerist in the period between the High Croatian Renaissance and the incoming Baroque, Ranjina composed in both Croatian and Italian, a not altogether uncommon occurrence at the time. He was aware of the ephemerality of things, including the very words he used to write his poetry. The following poem is from Miletich, op cit., p. 85. An Anthology of Croatian Literature 40 A Dirge for Šiško Menčetić Oh Šiško great of mind, and in respect most high, whose fame, it seems to all, shall always live forever, oh you who once with love’s own flame did burn so bright, since now it is that you do lie beneath this stone, and since I ne’er have seen you live upon this earth, these words I now do speak proclaiming thus your fame: “Among all ladies fair, oh blessèd be the one who merited all fame and glory on this earth.” A green bouquet of these so sundry florets fine I now do set upon your grave of shining stone, and as it is I sing the glory of your name, my tears I shed upon this marble grave of yours: oh may your soul delight in heav’n with your beloved, and here below may earth rest gently on your bones. ...

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