Arguably 19th century verse at its absolute best and undeniably groundbreaking but also steeped in tradition to the extent that you'd probably appreciate it. IIRC you have a hang up about reading poetry translations and I understand that but Jackson & Marthiel Mathews put together an incredible edition with 40 different translators which seems like the perfect approach for someone like ol' Grumpy Chuck. The title is apt- genuinely beautiful but also downright nasty. Maybe look for a copy the next time you're at the bookstore.