Francesco Petrarca (Petrarch)

Lassare il velo o per sole o per ombra. PERCEIVING HIS PASSION, LAURA'S SEVERITY INCREASES. Never thy veil, in sun or in the shade,

Occhi miei lassi, mentre ch' io vi giro. HE INVITES HIS EYES TO FEAST THEMSELVES ON LAURA. My wearied eyes! while looking thus

Quel foco, ch' io pensai che fosse spento. HE THOUGHT HIMSELF FREE, BUT FINDS THAT HE IS MORE THAN EVER ENTHRALLED BY LOVE. That fire for ever which I thought at rest,

Perch' quel che mi trasse ad amar prima. HE WILL ALWAYS LOVE HER, THOUGH DENIED THE SIGHT OF HER. Though cruelty denies my view

Volgendo gli occhi al mio novo colore. HER KIND SALUTE SAVED HIM FROM DEATH. Late as those eyes on my sunk cheek inclined,

Di tempo in tempo mi si fa men dura. THOUGH SHE BE LESS SEVERE, HE IS STILL NOT CONTENTED AND TRANQUIL AT HEART. From time to time more clemency for me

Nel dolce tempo della prima etade. HIS SUFFERINGS SINCE HE BECAME THE SLAVE OF LOVE. In the sweet season when my life was new,

O aspettata in ciel, beata e bella. IN SUPPORT OF THE PROPOSED CRUSADE AGAINST THE INFIDELS. O spirit wish'd and waited for in heaven,

Verdi panni, sanguigni, oscuri o persi. WHETHER OR NOT HE SHOULD CEASE TO LOVE LAURA. Green robes and red, purple, or brown, or gray

Si ' debile il filo a cui s' attene. HE GRIEVES IN ABSENCE FROM LAURA. The thread on which my weary life depends

Gentil mia donna, i' veggio. IN PRAISE OF LAURA'S EYES: THEY LEAD HIM TO CONTEMPLATE THE PATH OF LIFE. Lady, in your bright eyes

Nella stagion che 'l ciel rapido inchina. NIGHT BRINGS REPOSE TO OTHERS, BUT NOT TO HIM. In that still season, when the rapid sun

Spirto gentil che quelle membra reggi. TO RIENZI, BESEECHING HIM TO RESTORE TO ROME HER ANCIENT LIBERTY. Spirit heroic! who with fire divine

Lasso me, ch i' non so in qual parte pieghi. HE WOULD CONSOLE HIMSELF WITH SONG, BUT IS CONSTRAINED TO WEEP. Me wretched! for I know not whither tend

Perch' la vita ' breve. IN PRAISE OF LAURA'S EYES: THE DIFFICULTY OF HIS THEME. Since human life is frail,

Poich' per mio destino. IN PRAISE OF LAURA'S EYES: IN THEM HE FINDS EVERY GOOD, AND HE CAN NEVER CEASE TO PRAISE THEM. Since then by destiny

[R] Mai non vo' pi' cantar, com' io soleva. ENIGMAS.

Una donna pi' bella assai che 'l sole. GLORY AND VIRTUE. A lady, lovelier, brighter than the sun,

Se 'l pensier che mi strugge. HE SEEKS IN VAIN TO MITIGATE HIS WOE. Oh! that my cheeks were taught

Chiare, fresche e dolci acque. TO THE FOUNTAIN OF VAUOLUSE--CONTEMPLATIONS OF DEATH. Ye limpid brooks, by whose clear streams

S' il dissi mai, ch' i' venga in odio a quella. HE VEHEMENTLY REBUTS THE CHARGE OF LOVING ANOTHER. Perdie! I said it not,

In quella parte dov' Amor mi sprona. HE FINDS HER IMAGE EVERYWHERE. When Love, fond Love, commands the strain,

Italia mia, bench' 'l parlar sia indarno. TO THE PRINCES OF ITALY, EXHORTING THEM TO SET HER FREE. O my own Italy! though words are vain

Di pensier in pensier, di monte in monte. DISTANCE AND SOLITUDE. From hill to hill I roam, from thought to thought,

Qual pi' diversa e nova. HE COMPARES HIMSELF TO ALL THAT IS MOST STRANGE IN CREATION. Whate'er most wild and new

Ben mi credea passar mio tempo omai. HE CANNOT LIVE WITHOUT SEEING HER, BUT WOULD NOT DIE THAT HE MAY STILL LOVE HER. As pass'd the years which I have left behind,

I' vo pensando, e nel pensier m' assale. SELF-CONFLICT. Ceaseless I think, and in each wasting thought

Non al suo amante pi' Diana piacque. ANYTHING THAT REMINDS HIM OF LAURA RENEWS HIS TORMENTS. Not Dian to her lover was more dear,

Perch' al viso d' Amor portava insegna. A LOVE JOURNEY--DANGER IN THE PATH--HE TURNS BACK. Bright in whose face Love's conquering ensign stream'd,

Nova angeletta sovra l' ale accorta. HE ALLEGORICALLY DESCRIBES THE ORIGIN OF HIS PASSION. From heaven an angel upon radiant wings,

Or vedi, Amor, che giovinetta donna. A PRAYER TO LOVE THAT HE WILL TAKE VENGEANCE ON THE SCORNFUL PRIDE OF LAURA. Now, Love, at length behold a youthful fair,

A qualunque animale alberga in terra. NIGHT BRINGS HIM NO REST. HE IS THE PREY OF DESPAIR. To every animal that dwells on earth,

Giovane donna sott' un verde lauro. THOUGH DESPAIRING OF PITY, HE VOWS TO LOVE HER UNTO DEATH. A youthful lady 'neath a laurel green

L' aere gravato, e l' importuna nebbia. HE COMPARES LAURA TO WINTER, AND FORESEES THAT SHE WILL ALWAYS BE THE SAME. The overcharged air, the impending cloud,

Chi ' fermato di menar sua vita. HE PRAYS GOD TO GUIDE HIS FRAIL BARK TO A SAFE PORT. Who is resolved to venture his vain life

Alia dolce ombra de le belle frondi. HE TELLS THE STORY OF HIS LOVE, RESOLVING HENCEFORTH TO DEVOTE HIMSELF TO GOD. Beneath the pleasant shade of beauteous leaves

Anzi tre di creata era alma in parte. THE HISTORY OF HIS LOVE; AND PRAYER FOR HELP. Life's three first stages train'd my soul in part

Non ha tanti animali il mar fra l' onde. HE DESPAIRS OF ESCAPE FROM THE TORMENTS BY WHICH HE IS SURROUNDED. Nor Ocean holds such swarms amid his waves,

L' ver l' aurora, che s' dolce l' aura. SHE IS MOVED NEITHER BY HIS VERSES NOR HIS TEARS. When music warbles from each thorn,

Poi che 'l cammin m' ' chiuso di mercede. THOUGH FAR FROM LAURA, SOLITARY AND UNHAPPY, ENVY STILL PURSUES HIM. Since mercy's door is closed, alas! to me,

Amor, io fallo e veggio il mio fallire. HE PRAYS LOVE, WHO IS THE CAUSE OF HIS OFFENCES, TO OBTAIN PARDON FOR HIM. O Love, I err, and I mine error own,

Real natura, angelico intelletto. ON THE KISS OF HONOUR GIVEN BY CHARLES OF LUXEMBURG TO LAURA AT A BANQUET. A kingly nature, an angelic mind,

I' ho pregato Amor, e nel riprego. HE PLEADS THE EXCESS OF HIS PASSION IN PALLIATION OF HIS FAULT. Oft have I pray'd to Love, and still I pray,

L' alto signor, dinanzi a cui non vale. HIS SORROW FOR THE ILLNESS OF LAURA INCREASES, NOT LESSENS, HIS FLAME. The sovereign Lord, 'gainst whom of no avail

Mira quel colle, o stanco mio cor vago. HE BIDS HIS HEART RETURN TO LAURA, NOT PERCEIVING THAT IT HAD NEVER LEFT HER. P.    Look on that hill, my fond but harass'd heart!

Parr' forse ad alcun, che 'n lodar quella. HE INVITES THOSE TO WHOM HIS PRAISES SEEM EXCESSIVE TO BEHOLD THE OBJECT OF THEM. Haply my style to some may seem too free

Fresco ambroso fiorito e verde colle. HE CONGRATULATES HIS HEART ON ITS REMAINING WITH HER. O hill with green o'erspread, with groves o'erhung!

Il mal mi preme, e mi spaventa il peggio. TO A FRIEND, IN LOVE LIKE HIMSELF, HE CAN GIVE NO ADVICE BUT TO RAISE HIS SOUL TO GOD. Evil oppresses me and worse dismay,

Due rose fresche, e colte in paradiso. THE TWO ROSES. Two brilliant roses, fresh from Paradise,

L' aura che 'l verde Lauro e l' aureo crine. HE PRAYS THAT HE MAY DIE BEFORE LAURA. The balmy gale, that, with its tender sigh,

Chi vuol veder quantunque pu' Natura. WHOEVER BEHOLDS HER MUST ADMIT THAT HIS PRAISES CANNOT REACH HER PERFECTION. Who wishes to behold the utmost might

Qual paura ho, quando mi torna a mente. MELANCHOLY RECOLLECTIONS AND PRESAGES. O Laura! when my tortured mind

Solea lontana in sonno consolarme. SHE ANNOUNCES TO HIM, IN A VISION, THAT HE WILL NEVER SEE HER MORE. To soothe me distant far, in days gone by,

O misera ed orribil visione. HE CANNOT BELIEVE IN HER DEATH, BUT IF TRUE, HE PRAYS GOD TO TAKE HIM ALSO FROM LIFE. O misery! horror! can it, then, be true,

In dubbio di mio stato, or piango, or canto. TO HIS LONGING TO SEE HER AGAIN IS NOW ADDED THE FEAR OF SEEING HER NO MORE. Uncertain of my state, I weep and sing,

In quel bel viso, ch' i' sospiro e bramo. ON LAURA PUTTING HER HAND BEFORE HER EYES WHILE HE WAS GAZING ON HER. On the fair face for which I long and sigh

O dolci sguardi, o parolette accorte. HE SIGHS FOR THOSE GLANCES FROM WHICH, TO HIS GRIEF, FORTUNE EVER DELIGHTS TO WITHDRAW HIM. O angel looks! O accents of the skies!

I' pur ascolto, e non odo novella. HEARING NO TIDINGS OF HER, HE BEGINS TO DESPAIR. Still do I wait to hear, in vain still wait,

La sera desiar, odiar l' aurora. CONTRARY TO THE WONT OF LOVERS, HE PREFERS MORN TO EVE. Tranquil and happy loves in this agree,

Far potess' io vendetta di colei. HIS SOUL VISITS HER IN SLEEP. Oh! that from her some vengeance I could wrest

Vive faville uscian de' duo bei lumi. A SMILING WELCOME, WHICH LAURA GAVE HIM UNEXPECTEDLY, ALMOST KILLS HIM WITH JOY. Live sparks were glistening from her twin bright eyes,

Cercato ho sempre solitaria vita. THINKING ALWAYS OF LAURA, IT PAINS HIM TO REMEMBER WHERE SHE IS LEFT. Still have I sought a life of solitude;

In tale Stella duo begli occhi vidi. THE BEAUTY OF LAURA IS PEERLESS. In one fair star I saw two brilliant eyes,

Qual donna attende a gloriosa fama. THE EYES OF LAURA ARE THE SCHOOL OF VIRTUE. Feels any fair the glorious wish to gain

Cara la vita, e dopo lei mi pare. HONOUR TO BE PREFERRED TO LIFE. Methinks that life in lovely woman first,

Arbor vittoriosa e trionfale. HE EXTOLS THE VIRTUE OF LAURA. Tree, victory's bright guerdon, wont to crown

Aspro core e selvaggio, e cruda voglia. HOPE ALONE SUPPORTS HIM IN HIS MISERY. Hard heart and cold, a stern will past belief,

Signor mio caro, ogni pensier mi tira. HE LAMENTS HIS ABSENCE FROM LAURA AND COLONNA, THE ONLY OBJECTS OF HIS AFFECTION. My lord and friend! thoughts, wishes, all inclined

Io canterei d' Amor s' novamente. REPLY TO A Sonnet OF JACOPO DA LENTINO. Ways apt and new to sing of love I'd find,

S' Amor non ', che dunque ' quel ch' i' sento? THE CONTRADICTIONS OF LOVE. If no love is, O God, what fele I so?

Amor m' ha posto come segno a strale. LOVE'S ARMOURY. Love makes me as the target for his dart,

Pace non trovo, e non ho da far guerra. LOVE'S INCONSISTENCY. I fynde no peace and all my warre is done,

Amor che nel pensier mio vive e regna. THE COURAGE AND TIMIDITY OF LOVE. The long Love that in my thought I harbour,

Se 'l dolce sguardo di costei m' ancide. HE IS CONTINUALLY IN FEAR OF DISPLEASING HER. If thus the dear glance of my lady slay,

Amor, Natura, e la bell' alma umile. DURING A SERIOUS ILLNESS OF LAURA. Love, Nature, Laura's gentle self combines,

Questa Fenice dell' aurata piuma. HE COMPARES HER TO THE PHOENIX. This wondrous Phoenix with the golden plumes

Se Virgilio ed Omero avessin visto. THE MOST FAMOUS POETS OF ANTIQUITY WOULD HAVE SUNG HER ONLY, HAD THEY SEEN HER. Had tuneful Maro seen, and Homer old,

Giunto Alessandro alla famosa tomba. HE FEARS THAT HE IS INCAPABLE OF WORTHILY CELEBRATING HER. The son of Philip, when he saw the tomb

Stiamo, Amor, a veder la gloria nostra. TO LOVE, ON LAURA WALKING ABROAD. Here stand we, Love, our glory to behold--

Almo Sol, quella fronde ch' io sola amo. TO THE SUN, WHOSE SETTING HID LAURA'S DWELLING FROM HIS VIEW. O blessed Sun! that sole sweet leaf I love,

Passa la nave mia colma d' oblio. UNDER THE FIGURE OF A TEMPEST-TOSSED VESSEL, HE DESCRIBES HIS OWN SAD STATE. My bark, deep laden with oblivion, rides

Una candida cerva sopra l' erba. THE VISION OF THE FAWN. Beneath a laurel, two fair streams between,

Siccome eterna vita ' veder Dio. ALL HIS HAPPINESS IS IN GAZING UPON HER. As life eternal is with God to be,

Pasco la mente d' un s' nobil cibo. TO SEE AND HEAR HER IS HIS GREATEST BLISS. I feed my fancy on such noble food,

L' aura gentil che rasserena i poggi. JOURNEYING TO VISIT LAURA, HE FEELS RENEWED ARDOUR AS HE APPROACHES. The gale, that o'er yon hills flings softer blue,

Di d' in d' vo cangiando il viso e 'l pelo. HIS WOUNDS CAN BE HEALED ONLY BY PITY OR DEATH. I alter day by day in hair and mien,

L' aura serena che fra verdi fronde. THE GENTLE BREEZE (L' AURA) RECALLS TO HIM THE TIME WHEN HE FIRST SAW HER. The gentle gale, that plays my face around,

L' aura celeste che 'n quel verde Lauro. HER HAIR AND EYES. The heavenly airs from yon green laurel roll'd,

D' un bel, chiaro, polito e vivo ghiaccio. THOUGH RACKED BY AGONY, HE DOES NOT COMPLAIN OF HER. The flames that ever on my bosom prey

L' aura soave ch' al sol spiega e vibra. HIS HEART LIES TANGLED IN HER HAIR. The pleasant gale, that to the sun unplaits

O bella man, che mi distringi 'l core. THE STOLEN GLOVE. O beauteous hand! that dost my heart subdue,

Non pur quell' una bella ignuda mano. HE RETURNS THE GLOVE, BEWAILING THE EFFECT OF HER BEAUTY. Not of one dear hand only I complain,

Mia ventura ed Amor m' avean s' adorno. HE REGRETS HAVING RETURNED HER GLOVE. Me Love and Fortune then supremely bless'd!

Lasso, ch' i' ardo, ed altri non mel crede! POSTERITY WILL ACCORD TO HIM THE PITY WHICH LAURA REFUSES. Alas, with ardour past belief I glow!

Anima, che diverse cose tante. HE REJOICES AT BEING ON EARTH WITH HER, AS HE IS THEREBY ENABLED BETTER TO IMITATE HER VIRTUES. Soul! with such various faculties endued

Dolci ire, dolci sdegni e dolci paci. HE CONSOLES HIMSELF WITH THE THOUGHT THAT HE WILL BE ENVIED BY POSTERITY. Sweet scorn, sweet anger, and sweet misery,

Rapido fiume che d' alpestra vena. JOURNEYING ALONG THE RHONE TO AVIGNON, PETRARCH BIDS THE RIVER KISS LAURA'S HAND, AS IT WILL ARRIVE AT HER DWELLING BEFORE HIM. Impetuous flood, that from the Alps' rude head,

I' dolci colli ov' io lasciai me stesso. HE LEAVES VAUCLUSE, BUT HIS SPIRIT REMAINS THERE WITH LAURA. The loved hills where I left myself behind,

In nobil sangue vita umile e queta. SHE UNITES IN HERSELF THE HIGHEST EXCELLENCES OF VIRTUE AND BEAUTY. High birth in humble life, reserved yet kind,

Non dall' Ispano Ibero all' Indo Idaspe. HIS WOES ARE UNEXAMPLED. From Spanish Ebro to Hydaspes old,

Voglia mi sprona; Amor mi guida e scorge. HE DESCRIBES HIS STATE, SPECIFYING THE DATE OF HIS ATTACHMENT. Passion impels me, Love escorts and leads,

Beato in sogno, e di languir contento. THOUGH SO LONG LOVE'S FAITHFUL SERVANT, HIS ONLY REWARD HAS BEEN TEARS. Happy in visions, and content to pine,

Grazie ch' a pochi 'l ciel largo destina. THE ENCHANTMENTS THAT ENTHRALL HIM Graces, that liberal Heaven on few bestows;

S' una fede amorosa, un cor non finto. THE MISERY OF HIS LOVE. If faith most true, a heart that cannot feign,

Tutto 'l di piango; e poi la notte, quando. HER CRUELTY RENDERS LIFE WORSE THAN DEATH TO HIM. Through the long lingering day, estranged from rest,

Gi' desiai con s' giusta querela. HE LIVES DESTITUTE OF ALL HOPE SAVE THAT OF RENDERING HER IMMORTAL. Erewhile I labour'd with complaint so true,

Tra quantunque leggiadre donne e belle. ALL NATURE WOULD BE IN DARKNESS WERE SHE, ITS SUN, TO PERISH. Where'er she moves, whatever dames among,

Il cantar novo e 'l pianger degli augelli. MORNING. The birds' sweet wail, their renovated song,

Onde tolse Amor l' oro e di qual vena. THE CHARMS OF HER COUNTENANCE AND VOICE. Whence could Love take the gold, and from what vein,

Dodici donne onestamente lasse. HAPPY WHO STEERED THE BOAT, OR DROVE THE CAR, WHEREIN SHE SAT AND SANG. Twelve ladies, their rare toil who lightly bore,

Qual mio destin, qual forza o qual inganno. THOUGH HER EYES DESTROY HIM, HE CANNOT TEAR HIMSELF AWAY. What destiny of mine, what fraud or force,

Liete e pensose, accompagnate e sole. NOT FINDING HER WITH HER FRIENDS, HE ASKS THEM WHY SHE IS ABSENT. P.    Pensive and glad, accompanied, alone,

Quando 'l sol bagna in mur l' aurato carro. HIS NIGHTS ARE, LIKE HIS DAYS, PASSED IN TORMENT. When in the sea sinks the sun's golden light,

Fiamma dal ciel su le tue treccie piova. HE INVEIGHS AGAINST THE COURT OF ROME. Vengeaunce must fall on thee, thow filthie whore

L' avara Babilonia ha colmo 'l sacco. HE PREDICTS TO ROME THE ARRIVAL OF SOME GREAT PERSONAGE WHO WILL BRING HER BACK TO HER OLD VIRTUE. Covetous Babylon of wrath divine

Fontana di dolore, albergo d' ira. HE ATTRIBUTES THE WICKEDNESS OF THE COURT OF ROME TO ITS GREAT WEALTH. Spring of all woe, O den of curssed ire,

Quanto pi' desiose l' ali spando. FAR FROM HIS FRIENDS, HE FLIES TO THEM IN THOUGHT. The more my own fond wishes would impel

Come talora al caldo tempo suole. HE LIKENS HIMSELF TO THE INSECT WHICH, FLYING INTO ONE'S EYES, MEETS ITS DEATH. As when at times in summer's scorching heats.

Passer mai solitario in alcun tetto. FAR FROM HIS BELOVED, LIFE IS MISERABLE BY NIGHT AS BY DAY. Never was bird, spoil'd of its young, more sad,

Aura, che quelle chiome bionde e crespe. HE ENVIES THE BREEZE WHICH SPORTS WITH HER, THE STREAM THAT FLOWS TOWARDS HER. Ye laughing gales, that sporting with my fair,

Amor con la man destra il lato manco. UNDER THE FIGURE OF A LAUREL, HE RELATES THE GROWTH OF HIS LOVE. My poor heart op'ning with his puissant hand,

Cantai, or piango; e non men di dolcezza. THOUGH IN THE MIDST OF PAIN, HE DEEMS HIMSELF THE HAPPIEST OF MEN. I sang, who now lament; nor less delight

I' piansi, or canto; che 'l celeste lume. AT HER RETURN, HIS SORROWS VANISH. I wept, but now I sing; its heavenly light

Lasso! Amor mi trasporta ov' io non voglio. HE EXCUSES HIMSELF FOR VISITING LAURA TOO OFTEN, AND LOVING HER TOO MUCH. Alas! Love bears me where I would not go,

I' mi vivea di mia sorte contento. HE FEARS THAT AN ILLNESS WHICH HAS ATTACKED THE EYES OF LAURA MAY DEPRIVE HIM OF THEIR SIGHT. I lived so tranquil, with my lot content,

Vincitore Alessandro l' ira vinse. THE EVIL RESULTS OF UNRESTRAINED ANGER. What though the ablest artists of old time

Qual ventura mi fu, quando dall' uno. HE REJOICES AT PARTICIPATING IN HER SUFFERINGS. Strange, passing strange adventure! when from one

O cameretta che gi' fosti un porto. HE NO LONGER FINDS RELIEF IN SOLITUDE. Thou little chamber'd haven to the woes

Quand' io v' odo parlar si dolcemente. TO ONE WHO SPOKE TO HIM OF LAURA. Whene'er you speak of her in that soft tone

N' cos' bello il sol giammai levarsi. THE CHARMS OF LAURA WHEN SHE FIRST MET HIS SIGHT. Ne'er can the sun such radiance soft display,

Pommi ove 'l sol occide i fiori e l' erba. HIS INVINCIBLE CONSTANCY. Place me where herb and flower the sun has dried,

O d' ardente virtute ornata e calda. HE CELEBRATES LAURA'S BEAUTY AND VIRTUE. O mind, by ardent virtue graced and warm'd.

Questa umil fera, un cor di tigre o d' orsa. HE PRAYS HER EITHER TO WELCOME OR DISMISS HIM AT ONCE. Fiercer than tiger, savager than bear,

Mirando 'l sol de' begli occhi sereno. THE SWEETS AND BITTERS OF LOVE. Marking of those bright eyes the sun serene

Fera stella (se 'l cielo ha forza in noi). TO PINE FOR HER IS BETTER THAN TO ENJOY HAPPINESS WITH ANY OTHER. Ill-omen'd was that star's malignant gleam

Quando mi vene innanzi il tempo e 'l loco. RECOLLECTIONS OF EARLY LOVE. The time and scene where I a slave became

Per mezzo i boschi inospiti e selvaggi. EVER THINKING ON HER, HE PASSES FEARLESS AND SAFE THROUGH THE FOREST OF ARDENNES. Through woods inhospitable, wild, I rove,

Mille piagge in un giorno e mille rivi. TO BE NEAR HER RECOMPENSES HIM FOR ALL THE PERILS OF THE WAY. Love, who his votary wings in heart and feet,

Amor che 'ncende 'l cor d' ardente zelo. LOVE AND JEALOUSY. 'Tis Love's caprice to freeze the bosom now

Amor mi sprona in un tempo ed affrena. HE HEARS THE VOICE OF REASON, BUT CANNOT OBEY. Love in one instant spurs me and restrains,

Geri, quando talor meco s' adira. HE APPEASES HER BY HUMILITY, AND EXHORTS A FRIEND TO DO LIKEWISE. When my sweet foe, so haughty oft and high,

Po, ben puo' tu portartene la scorza. TO THE RIVER PO, ON QUITTING LAURA. Thou Po to distant realms this frame mayst bear,

Amor fra l' orbe una leggiadra rete. HE COMPARES HIMSELF TO A BIRD CAUGHT IN A NET. Love 'mid the grass beneath a laurel green--

Quando 'l voler, che con duo sproni ardenti. HER LOOKS BOTH COMFORT AND CHECK HIM. When, with two ardent spurs and a hard rein,

Non Tesin, Po, Varo, Arno, Adige e Tebro. HE EXTOLS THE LAUREL AND ITS FAVOURITE STREAM. Not all the streams that water the bright earth,

Che fai, alma? che pensi? avrem mai pace? DIALOGUE OF THE POET WITH HIS HEART. P.    What actions fire thee, and what musings fill?

Nom d' atra e tempestosa onda marina. HE IS LED BY LOVE TO REASON. No wearied mariner to port e'er fled

Ite, caldi sospiri, al freddo core. HE IMPLORES MERCY OR DEATH. Go, my warm sighs, go to that frozen breast,

Le stelle e 'l cielo e gli elementi a prova. LAURA'S UNPARALLELED BEAUTY AND VIRTUE. The stars, the elements, and Heaven have made

Non fur mai Giove e Cesare s' mossi. LAURA IN TEARS. High Jove to thunder ne'er was so intent,

I' vidi in terra angelici costumi. THE EFFECTS OF HER GRIEF. On earth reveal'd the beauties of the skies,

Quel sempre acerbo ed onorato giorno. HE RECALLS HER AS HE SAW HER WHEN IN TEARS. That ever-painful, ever-honour'd day

Lieti flori e felici, e ben nate erbe. HE ENVIES EVERY SPOT THAT SHE FREQUENTS. Gay, joyous blooms, and herbage glad with showers,

Ove ch' i' posi gli occhi lassi o giri. HER IMAGE IS EVER IN HIS HEART. Where'er I rest or turn my weary eyes,

In qual parte del cielo, in quale idea. HE EXTOLS THE BEAUTY AND VIRTUE OF LAURA. Say from what part of heaven 'twas Nature drew,

Amor ed io s' pien di maraviglia. HER EVERY ACTION IS DIVINE. As one who sees a thing incredible,

O passi sparsi, o pensier vaghi e pronti. EVERY CIRCUMSTANCE OF HIS PASSION IS A TORMENT TO HIM. O scatter'd steps! O vague and busy thoughts!

Amor, che vedi ogni pensiero aperto. HE CARES NOT FOR SUFFERINGS, SO THAT HE DISPLEASE NOT LAURA. Love, thou who seest each secret thought display'd,

Or che 'l ciel e la terra e 'l vento tace. NIGHT BRINGS PEACE TO ALL SAVE HIM. O'er earth and sky her lone watch silence keeps,

Come 'l candido pi' per l' erba fresca. HER WALK, LOOKS, WORDS, AND AIR. As o'er the fresh grass her fair form its sweet

S' io fossi stato fermo alla spelunca. TO ONE WHO DESIRED LATIN VERSE OF HIM. Still had I sojourn'd in that Delphic cave

Quando Amor i begli occhi a terra inchina. LAURA SINGS. If Love her beauteous eyes to earth incline,

O Invidia, nemica di virtute. ENVY MAY DISTURB, BUT CANNOT DESTROY HIS HOPE. O deadly Envy, virtue's constant foe,

Amor mi manda quel dolce pensero. LIFE WILL FAIL HIM BEFORE HOPE. Love to my mind recalling that sweet thought,

Pien d' un vago pensier, che me desvia. HIS TONGUE IS TIED BY EXCESS OF PASSION. Such vain thought as wonted to mislead me

Pi' volte gi' dal bel sembiante umano. LOVE UNMANS HIS RESOLUTION. Oft as her angel face compassion wore,

Giunto m' ha Amor fra belle e crude braccia. HE CANNOT END HER CRUELTY, NOR SHE HIS HOPE. Me Love has left in fair cold arms to lie,

Qui reposan quei caste e felice ossa. Here peaceful sleeps the chaste, the happy shade Of that pure spirit, which adorn'd this earth:

Per far una leggiadra sua vendetta. HOW HE BECAME THE VICTIM OF LOVE. For many a crime at once to make me smart,

Era 'l giorno ch' al sol si scoloraro. HE BLAMES LOVE FOR WOUNDING HIM ON A HOLY DAY (GOOD FRIDAY). 'Twas on the morn, when heaven its blessed ray

Quel ch' infinita providenza ed arte. HE CELEBRATES THE BIRTHPLACE OF LAURA. He that with wisdom, goodness, power divine,

Quando 'l pianeta che distingue l' ore. WITH A PRESENT OF FRUIT IN SPRING. When the great planet which directs the hours

Lasso, che mal accorto fui da prima. HE PRAYS LOVE TO KINDLE ALSO IN HER THE FLAME BY WHICH HE IS UNCEASINGLY TORMENTED. Alas! this heart by me was little known

Del mar Tirreno alla sinistra riva. THE FALL. Upon the left shore of the Tyrrhene sea,

L' aspetto sacro della terra vostra. THE VIEW OF ROME PROMPTS HIM TO TEAR HIMSELF FROM LAURA, BUT LOVE WILL NOT ALLOW HIM. The solemn aspect of this sacred shore

Ben sapev' io che natural consiglio. FLEEING FROM LOVE, HE FALLS INTO THE HANDS OF HIS MINISTERS. Full well I know that natural wisdom nought,

Io son gi' stanco di pensar siccome. HE WONDERS AT HIS LONG ENDURANCE OF SUCH TOIL AND SUFFERING. I weary me alway with questions keen

Se al principio risponde il fine e 'l mezzo. IF HIS PASSION STILL INCREASE, HE MUST SOON DIE. If, of this fourteenth year wherein I sigh,

I begli occhi, ond' i' fui percosso in guisa. HE IS NEVER WEARY OF PRAISING THE EYES OF LAURA. The bright eyes which so struck my fenceless side

Amor con sue promesse lusingando. LOVE CHAINS ARE STILL DEAR TO HIM. By promise fair and artful flattery

Per mirar Policleto a prova fiso. ON THE PORTRAIT OF LAURA PAINTED BY SIMON MEMMI. Had Policletus seen her, or the rest

Quando giunse a Simon l' alto concetto. HE DESIRES ONLY THAT MEMMI HAD BEEN ABLE TO IMPART SPEECH TO HIS PORTRAIT OF LAURA. When, at my word, the high thought fired his mind,

Io son s' stanco sotto 'l fascio antico. HE CONFESSES HIS ERRORS, AND THROWS HIMSELF ON THE MERCY OF GOD. Evil by custom, as by nature frail,

Io non fu' d' amar voi lassato unquanco. UNLESS LAURA RELENT, HE IS RESOLVED TO ABANDON HER. Yet was I never of your love aggrieved,

Se bianche non son prima ambe le tempie. THOUGH NOT SECURE AGAINST THE WILES OF LOVE, HE FEELS STRENGTH ENOUGH TO RESIST THEM. Till silver'd o'er by age my temples grow,

Occhi, piangete; accompagnate il core. DIALOGUE BETWEEN THE POET AND HIS EYES. Playne ye, myne eyes, accompanye my harte,

Io amai sempre, ed amo forte ancora. HE LOVES, AND WILL ALWAYS LOVE, THE SPOT AND THE HOUR IN WHICH HE FIRST BECAME ENAMOURED OF LAURA. I always loved, I love sincerely yet,

Erano i capei d' oro all' aura sparsi. HE PAINTS THE BEAUTIES OF LAURA, PROTESTING HIS UNALTERABLE LOVE. Loose to the breeze her golden tresses flow'd

Io avr' sempre in odio la fenestra. BETTER IS IT TO DIE HAPPY THAN TO LIVE IN PAIN. Always in hate the window shall I bear,

S' tosto come avvien che l' arco scocchi. HE CALLS THE EYES OF LAURA FOES, BECAUSE THEY KEEP HIM IN LIFE ONLY TO TORMENT HIM. Instantly a good archer draws his bow

Poi che mia speme ' lunga a venir troppo. HE COUNSELS LOVERS TO FLEE, RATHER THAN BE CONSUMED BY THE FLAMES OF LOVE. Since my hope's fruit yet faileth to arrive,

Fuggendo la prigione ov' Amor m' ebbe. HE LONGS TO RETURN TO THE CAPTIVITY OF LOVE. Fleeing the prison which had long detain'd,

La bella donna che cotanto amavi. TO HIS BROTHER GERARDO, ON THE DEATH OF A LADY TO WHOM HE WAS ATTACHED. The beauteous lady thou didst love so well

Piangete, donne, e con voi pianga Amore. ON THE DEATH OF CINO DA PISTOIA. Weep, beauteous damsels, and let Cupid weep,

Pi' volte Amor m' avea gi' detto: scrivi. HE WRITES WHAT LOVE BIDS HIM. White--to my heart Love oftentimes had said--

Quando giugne per gli occhi al cor profondo. HE DESCRIBES THE STATE OF TWO LOVERS, AND RETURNS IN THOUGHT TO HIS OWN SUFFERINGS. When reaches through the eyes the conscious heart

Cos' potess' io ben chiuder in versi. HE COMPLAINS THAT TO HIM ALONE IS FAITH HURTFUL. Could I, in melting verse, my thoughts but throw,

Quella fenestra, ove l' un sol si vede. RECOLLECTIONS OF LOVE. That window where my sun is often seen

Io son dell' aspectar omai s' vinto. HAVING ONCE SURRENDERED HIMSELF, HE IS COMPELLED EVER TO ENDURE THE PANGS OF LOVE. Weary with expectation's endless round,

Ahi bella libert', come tu m' hai. HE DEPLORES HIS LOST LIBERTY AND THE UNHAPPINESS OF HIS PRESENT STATE. Alas! fair Liberty, thus left by thee,

Orso, al vostro destrier si pu' ben porre. HE SYMPATHISES WITH HIS FRIEND ORSO AT HIS INABILITY TO ATTEND A TOURNAMENT. Orso, a curb upon thy gallant horse

Poi che voi ed io pi' volte abbiam provato. TO A FRIEND, COUNSELLING HIM TO ABANDON EARTHLY PLEASURES. Still has it been our bitter lot to prove

Lasso! ben so che dolorose prede. THOUGH FOR FOURTEEN YEARS HE HAS STRUGGLED UNSUCCESSFULLY, HE STILL HOPES TO CONQUER HIS PASSION. Alas! well know I what sad havoc makes

Cesare, poi che 'l traditor d' Egitto. THE COUNTENANCE DOES NOT ALWAYS TRULY INDICATE THE HEART. When Egypt's traitor Pompey's honour'd head

Vinse Annibal, e non seppe usar poi. TO STEFANO COLONNA, COUNSELLING HIM TO FOLLOW UP HIS VICTORY OVER THE ORSINI. Hannibal conquer'd oft, but never knew

L' aspettata virt' che 'n voi fioriva. TO PAUDOLFO MALATESTA, LORD OF RIMINI. Sweet virtue's blossom had its promise shed

Non veggio ove scampar mi possa omai. AFTER FIFTEEN YEARS HER EYES ARE MORE POWERFUL THAN AT FIRST. No hope of respite, of escape no way,

Sennuccio, i' vo' che sappi in qual maniera. HE RELATES TO HIS FRIEND SENNUCCIO HIS UNHAPPINESS, AND THE VARIED MOOD OF LAURA. To thee, Sennuccio, fain would I declare,

Avventuroso pi' d' altro terreno. HE APOSTROPHIZES THE SPOT WHERE LAURA FIRST SALUTED HIM. Ah, happiest spot of earth! in this sweet place

Lasso! quante fiate Amor m' assale. WHEN LOVE DISTURBS HIM, HE CALMS HIMSELF BY THINKING OF THE EYES AND WORDS OF LAURA. Alas! how ceaselessly is urged Love's claim,

Perseguendomi Amor al luogo usato. HE IS BEWILDERED AT THE UNEXPECTED ARRIVAL OF LAURA. As Love his arts in haunts familiar tried,

La donna che 'l mio cor nel viso porta. HER KIND AND GENTLE SALUTATION THRILLS HIS HEART WITH PLEASURE. She, in her face who doth my gone heart wear,

Quand' io movo i sospiri a chiamar voi. HE PLAYS UPON THE NAME LAURETA OR LAURA. In sighs when I outbreathe your cherish'd name,

S' traviato ' 'l folle mio desio. OF HIS FOOLISH PASSION FOR LAURA. So wayward now my will, and so unwise,

La gola e 'l sonno e l' oziose piume. TO A FRIEND, ENCOURAGING HIM TO PURSUE POETRY. Torn is each virtue from its earthly throne

A pi' de' colli ove la bella vesta. HE FEIGNS AN ADDRESS FROM SOME BIRDS WHICH HE HAD PRESENTED. Beneath the verdant hills--where the fair vest

Gloriosa Colonna, in cui s' appoggia. TO STEFANO COLONNA THE ELDER, INVITING HIM TO THE COUNTRY. Glorious Colonna! still the strength and stay

Qui dove mezzo son, Sennuccio mio. THE MERE SIGHT OF VAUCLUSE MAKES HIM FORGET ALL THE PERILS OF HIS JOURNEY. Friend, on this spot, I life but half endure

Dell' empia Babilonia, ond' ' fuggita. LEAVING ROME, HE DESIRES ONLY PEACE WITH LAURA AND PROSPERITY TO COLONNA. Yes, out of impious Babylon I'm flown,

In mezzo di duo amanti onesta altera. LAURA TURNING TO SALUTE HIM, THE SUN, THROUGH JEALOUSY, WITHDREW BEHIND A CLOUD. 'Tween two fond lovers I a lady spied,

Pien di quella ineffabile dolcezza. WHEREVER HE IS, HE SEES ONLY LAURA. O'erflowing with the sweets ineffable,

Se 'l sasso ond' ' pi' chiusa questa valle. COULD HE BUT SEE THE HOUSE OF LAURA, HIS SIGHS MIGHT REACH HER MORE QUICKLY. If, which our valley bars, this wall of stone,

Amor, Fortuna, e la mia mente schiva. THE CAUSES OF HIS WOE. Love, Fortune, and my melancholy mind,

Rimansi addietro il sestodecim' anno. THOUGH HE IS UNHAPPY, HIS LOVE REMAINS EVER UNCHANGED. My sixteenth year of sighs its course has run,

Quelle pietose rime, in ch' io m' accorsi. TO ANTONIO OF FERRARA, WHO, IN A POEM, HAD LAMENTED PETRARCH'S SUPPOSED DEATH. Those pious lines wherein are finely met

Dicesett' anni ha gi' rivolto il cielo. E'EN IN OUR ASHES LIVE OUR WONTED FIRES. The seventeenth summer now, alas! is gone,

Quel vago impallidir che 'l dolce riso. LEAVE-TAKING. That witching paleness, which with cloud of love

Se la mia vita dall' aspro tormento. HE HOPES THAT TIME WILL RENDER HER MORE MERCIFUL. If o'er each bitter pang, each hidden throe

Quando fra l' altre donne ad ora ad ora. THE BEAUTY OF LAURA LEADS HIM TO THE CONTEMPLATION OF THE SUPREME GOOD. Throned on her angel brow, when Love displays

Io mi rivolgo indietro a ciascun passo. ON QUITTING LAURA. With weary frame which painfully I bear,

Movesi 'l vecchierel canuto e bianco. HE COMPARES HIMSELF TO A PILGRIM. The palmer bent, with locks of silver gray,

Mille fiate, o dolce mia guerrera. HIS HEART, REJECTED BY LAURA, WILL PERISH, UNLESS SHE RELENT. A thousand times, sweet warrior, have I tried,

Se mai foco per foco non si spense. HIS HEART IS ALL IN FLAMES, BUT HIS TONGUE IS MUTE, IN HER PRESENCE. If fire was never yet by fire subdued,

Perch' io t' abbia guardato di menzogna. IN HER PRESENCE HE CAN NEITHER SPEAK, WEEP, NOR SIGH. Although from falsehood I did thee restrain

Poco era ad appressarsi agli occhi miei. SUCH ARE HIS SUFFERINGS THAT HE ENVIES THE INSENSIBILITY OF MARBLE. Had but the light which dazzled them afar

Se col cieco desir che 'l cor distrugge. BLIGHTED HOPE. Either that blind desire, which life destroys

Mie venture al venir son tarde e pigre. FEW ARE THE SWEETS, BUT MANY THE BITTERS OF LOVE. Ever my hap is slack and slow in coming,

Se voi poteste per turbati segni. HE ENTREATS LAURA NOT TO HATE THE HEART FROM WHICH SHE CAN NEVER BE ABSENT. If, but by angry and disdainful sign,

La guancia che fu gi' piangendo stanca. TO HIS FRIEND AGAPITO, WITH A PRESENT. Thy weary cheek that channell'd sorrow shows,

L' arbor gentil che forte amai molt' anni. IMPRECATION AGAINST THE LAUREL. The graceful tree I loved so long and well,

Benedetto sia 'l giorno e 'l mese e l' anno. HE BLESSES ALL THE CIRCUMSTANCES OF HIS PASSION. Blest be the day, and blest the month, the year,

Padre del ciel, dopo i perduti giorni. CONSCIOUS OF HIS FOLLY, HE PRAYS GOD TO TURN HIM TO A BETTER LIFE. Father of heaven! after the days misspent,

Piovonmi amare lagrime dal viso. HIS STATE WHEN LAURA IS PRESENT, AND WHEN SHE DEPARTS. Down my cheeks bitter tears incessant rain,

Quand' io son tutto volto in quella parte. HE FLIES, BUT PASSION PURSUES HIM. When I reflect and turn me to that part

Son animali al mondo di s' altera. HE COMPARES HIMSELF TO A MOTH. Creatures there are in life of such keen sight

Vergognando talor ch' ancor si taccia. THE PRAISES OF LAURA TRANSCEND HIS POETIC POWERS. Ashamed sometimes thy beauties should remain

Se l' onorata fronde, che prescrive. TO STRAMAZZO OF PERUGIA, WHO INVITED HIM TO WRITE POETRY. If the world-honour'd leaf, whose green defies

Amor piangeva, ed io con lui talvolta. HE CONGRATULATES BOCCACCIO ON HIS RETURN TO THE RIGHT PATH. Love grieved, and I with him at times, to see

Pi' di me lieta non si vede a terra. ON THE SAME SUBJECT. Than me more joyful never reach'd the shore

Il successor di Carlo, che la chioma. ON THE MOVEMENT OF THE EMPEROR AGAINST THE INFIDELS, AND THE RETURN OF THE POPE TO ROME. The high successor of our Charles,[P] whose hair

Quest' anima gentil che si diparte. ON LAURA DANGEROUSLY ILL. That graceful soul, in mercy call'd away

S' io credessi per morte essere scarco. HE PRAYS FOR DEATH, BUT IN VAIN. Had I believed that Death could set me free

Quanto pi' m' avvicino al giorno estremo. HE CONSOLES HIMSELF THAT HIS LIFE IS ADVANCING TO ITS CLOSE. Near and more near as life's last period draws,

Gi' fiammeggiava l' amorosa stella. LAURA, WHO IS ILL, APPEARS TO HIM IN A DREAM, AND ASSURES HIM THAT SHE STILL LIVES. Throughout the orient now began to flame

Apollo, s' ancor vive il bel desio. HE COMPARES HER TO A LAUREL, WHICH HE SUPPLICATES APOLLO TO DEFEND. O Phoebus, if that fond desire remains,

Solo e pensoso i pi' deserti campi. HE SEEKS SOLITUDE, BUT LOVE FOLLOWS HIM EVERYWHERE. Alone, and lost in thought, the desert glade

Orso, e' non furon mai fiumi n' stagni. HE COMPLAINS OF THE VEIL AND HAND OF LAURA, THAT THEY DEPRIVE HIM OF THE SIGHT OF HER EYES. Orso, my friend, was never stream, nor lake,

Io temo s' de' begli occhi l' assalto. HE EXCUSES HIMSELF FOR HAVING SO LONG DELAYED TO VISIT HER. So much I fear to encounter her bright eye.

S' amore o morte non d' qualche stroppio. HE ASKS FROM A FRIEND THE LOAN OF THE WORKS OF ST. AUGUSTIN. If Love or Death no obstacle entwine

Quando dal proprio sito si rimove. WHEN LAURA DEPARTS, THE HEAVENS GROW DARK WITH STORMS. When from its proper soil the tree is moved

Ma poi che 'l dolce riso umile e piano. HER RETURN GLADDENS THE EARTH AND CALMS THE SKY. But when her sweet smile, modest and benign,

Io sentia dentr' al cor gi' venir meno. HE DESIRES AGAIN TO GAZE ON THE EYES Of LAURA. I now perceived that from within me fled

Il figliuol di Latona avea gi' nove. THE GRIEF OF PHOEBUS AT THE LOSS OF HIS LOVE. Nine times already had Latona's son

Quel che 'n Tessaglia ebbe le man s' pronte. SOME HAVE WEPT FOR THEIR WORST ENEMIES, BUT LAURA DEIGNS HIM NOT A SINGLE TEAR. He who for empire at Pharsalia threw,

Il mio avversario, in cui veder solete. LAURA AT HER LOOKING-GLASS. My foe, in whom you see your own bright eyes,

L' oro e le perle, e i fior vermigli e i bianchi. HE INVEIGHS AGAINST LAURA'S MIRROR, BECAUSE IT MAKES HER FORGET HIM. Those golden tresses, teeth of pearly white,

When gods and men I saw in Cupid's chain Promiscuous led, a long uncounted train, By sad example taught, I learn'd at last

PART I. The fatal morning dawn'd that brought again The sad memorial of my ancient pain;

Quando ad un giogo ed in Un tempo quivi. When to one yoke at once I saw the height Of gods and men subdued by Cupid's might,

PART I. Questa leggiadra e gloriosa Donna. The glorious Maid, whose soul to heaven is gone

Da poi che sotto 'l ciel cosa non vidi. When all beneath the ample cope of heaven I saw, like clouds before the tempest driven,

PART I. Da poi che Morte trionf' nel volto. When cruel Death his paly ensign spread

PART I. Nel tempo che rinova i miei sospiri. It was the time when I do sadly pay

Dell' aureo albergo con l' Aurora innanzi. Behind Aurora's wheels the rising sun His voyage from his golden shrine begun,

Amor, quando fioria. HIS GRIEF AT SURVIVING HER IS MITIGATED BY THE CONSCIOUSNESS THAT SHE NOW KNOWS HIS HEART. Yes, Love, at that propitious time

Che debb' io far? che mi consigli, Amore? HE ASKS COUNSEL OF LOVE, WHETHER HE SHOULD FOLLOW LAURA, OR STILL ENDURE EXISTENCE. What should I do? what, Love, dost thou advise?

Amor, se vuoi ch' i' torni al giogo antico. UNLESS LOVE CAN RESTORE HER TO LIFE, HE WILL NEVER AGAIN BE HIS SLAVE. If thou wouldst have me, Love, thy slave again,

Standomi un giorno solo alla finestra. UNDER VARIOUS ALLEGORIES HE PAINTS THE VIRTUE, BEAUTY, AND UNTIMELY DEATH OF LAURA. While at my window late I stood alone,

Tacer non posso, e temo non adopre. HE RECALLS HER MANY GRACES. Fain would I speak--too long has silence seal'd

Solea dalla fontana di mia vita. MEMORY IS HIS ONLY SOLACE AND SUPPORT. I who was wont from life's best fountain far

Quando il suave mio fido conforto. SHE APPEARS TO HIM, AND, WITH MORE THAN WONTED AFFECTION, ENDEAVOURS TO CONSOLE HIM. When she, the faithful soother of my pain,

Quell' antiquo mio dolce empio signore. LOVE, SUMMONED BY THE POET TO THE TRIBUNAL OF REASON, PASSES A SPLENDID EULOGIUM ON LAURA. Long had I suffer'd, till--to combat more

Vergine bella che di sol vestita. TO THE VIRGIN MARY. Beautiful Virgin! clothed with the sun,

Mia benigna fortuna e 'l viver lieto. IN HIS MISERY HE DESIRES DEATH THE MORE HE REMEMBERS HIS PAST CONTENTMENT AND COMFORT. My favouring fortune and my life of joy,

Oim' il bel viso! oim' il soave sguardo! ON THE ANNOUNCEMENT OF THE DEATH OF LAURA. Woe for the 'witching look of that fair face!

Rotta ' l' alta Colonna, e 'l verde Lauro. HE BEWAILS HIS DOUBLE LOSS IN THE DEATHS OF LAURA, AND OF COLONNA. Fall'n that proud Column, fall'n that Laurel tree,

L' ardente nodo ov' io fui, d' ora in ora. ON THE DEATH OF ANOTHER LADY. That burning toil, in which I once was caught,

La vita fugge, e non s' arresta un' ora. PAST, PRESENT, AND FUTURE ARE NOW ALIKE PAINFUL TO HIM. Life passes quick, nor will a moment stay,

S' Amor novo consiglio non n' apporta. HE DESCRIBES HIS SAD STATE. If Love to give new counsel still delay,

Al cader d' una pianta che si svelse. UNDER THE ALLEGORY OF A LAUREL HE AGAIN DEPLORES HER DEATH. As a fair plant, uprooted by oft blows

I d' miei pi' leggier che nessun cervo. HIS PASSION FINDS ITS ONLY CONSOLATION IN CONTEMPLATING HER IN HEAVEN. My days more swiftly than the forest hind

Sente l' aura mia antica, e i dolci colli. HE REVISITS VAUCLUSE. I feel the well-known gale; the hills I spy

E questo 'l nido in che la mia Fenice. THE SIGHT OF LAURA'S HOUSE REMINDS HIM OF HIS MISERY. Is this the nest in which my phoenix first

Mai non vedranno le mie luci asciutte. TO THE MEMORY OF GIACOMO COLONNA, WHO DIED BEFORE PETRARCH COULD REPLY TO A LETTER OF HIS. Ne'er shall I see again with eyes unwet,

Quel vago, dolce, caro, onesto sguardo. HE SHOULD HAVE FORESEEN HIS LOSS IN THE UNUSUAL LUSTRE OF HER EYES. That glance of hers, pure, tender, clear, and sweet,

Or hai fatto l' estremo di tua possa. DEATH MAY DEPRIVE HIM OF THE SIGHT OF HER BEAUTIES, BUT NOT OF THE MEMORY OF HER VIRTUES. Now hast thou shown, fell Death! thine utmost might.

L' aura e l' odore e 'l refrigerio e l' ombra. HER OWN VIRTUES IMMORTALISE HER IN HEAVEN, AND HIS PRAISES ON EARTH. The air and scent, the comfort and the shade

L' ultimo, lasso! de' miei giorni allegri. HE REVERTS TO THEIR LAST MEETING. The last, alas! of my bright days and glad

O giorno, o ora, o ultimo momento. HE MOURNS HIS WANT OF PERCEPTION AT THAT MEETING. O Day, O hour, O moment sweetest, last,

Ite, rime dolenti, al duro sasso. HE PRAYS THAT SHE WILL BE NEAR HIM AT HIS DEATH, WHICH HE FEELS APPROACHING. Go, plaintive verse, to the cold marble go,

S' onesto amor pu' meritar mercede. HE PRAYS THAT, IN REWARD FOR HIS LONG AND VIRTUOUS ATTACHMENT, SHE WILL VISIT HIM IN DEATH. If Mercy e'er rewardeth virtuous love,

Vidi fra mille donne una gi' tale. BEAUTY SHOWED ITSELF IN, AND DISAPPEARED WITH, LAURA. 'Mid many fair one such by me was seen

Tornami a mente, anzi v' ' dentro quella. SHE IS SO FIXED IN HIS HEART THAT AT TIMES HE BELIEVES HER STILL ALIVE, AND IS FORCED TO RECALL THE DATE OF HER DEATH. Oh! to my soul for ever she returns;

Questo nostro caduco e fragil bene. NATURE DISPLAYED IN HER EVERY CHARM, BUT SOON WITHDREW HER FROM SIGHT. This gift of beauty which a good men name,

Dolce mio caro e prezioso pegno. HE PRAYS HER TO APPEAR BEFORE HIM IN A VISION. Dear precious pledge, by Nature snatch'd away,

O tempo, o ciel volubil che fuggendo. HE NO LONGER CONTEMPLATES THE MORTAL, BUT THE IMMORTAL BEAUTIES OF LAURA. O Time! O heavens! whose flying changes frame

Quel, che d' odore e di color vincea. THE LAUREL, IN WHOM HE PLACED ALL HIS JOY HAS BEEN TAKEN FROM HIM TO ADORN HEAVEN. That which in fragrance and in hue defied

Lasciato hai, Morte, senza sole il mondo. HER TRUE WORTH WAS KNOWN ONLY TO HIM AND TO HEAVEN. Death, thou the world, since that dire arrow sped,

Conobbi, quanto il ciel gli occhi m' aperse. HER PRAISES ARE, COMPARED WITH HER DESERTS, BUT AS A DROP TO THE OCEAN. So far as to mine eyes its light heaven show'd,

Deh qual piet', qual angel fu s' presto. HIS PRAYER IS HEARD. What angel of compassion, hovering near,

Del cibo onde 'l signor mio sempre abbonda. HE DESCRIBES THE APPARITION OF LAURA. Food wherewithal my lord is well supplied,

Ripensando a quel ch' oggi il ciel onora. HE WOULD DIE OF GRIEF WERE SHE NOT SOMETIMES TO CONSOLE HIM BY HER PRESENCE. To that soft look which now adorns the skies,

Fu forse un tempo dolce cosa amore. HE COMPLAINS OF HIS SUFFERINGS, WHICH ADMIT OF NO RELIEF. Love, haply, was erewhile a sweet relief;

Spinse amor e dolor ove ir non debbe. REFLECTING THAT LAURA IS IN HEAVEN, HE REPENTS HIS EXCESSIVE GRIEF, AND IS CONSOLED. Sorrow and Love encouraged my poor tongue,

L' aura mia sacra al mio stanco riposo. HE TELLS HER IN SLEEP OF HIS SUFFERINGS, AND, OVERCOME BY HER SYMPATHY, AWAKES. On my oft-troubled sleep my sacred air

Gli angeli eletti e l' anime beate. HE DIRECTS ALL HIS THOUGHTS TO HEAVEN, WHERE LAURA AWAITS AND BECKONS HIM. The chosen angels, and the spirits blest,

Donna che lieta col Principio nostro. HE CONJURES LAURA, BY THE PURE LOVE HE EVER BORE HER, TO OBTAIN FOR HIM A SPEEDY ADMISSION TO HER IN HEAVEN. Lady, in bliss who, by our Maker's feet,

Da' pi' begli occhi e dal pi' chiaro viso. HIS ONLY COMFORT IS THE EXPECTATION OF MEETING HER AGAIN IN HEAVEN. The brightest eyes, the most resplendent face

E' mi par d' or in ora udire il messo. HE FEELS THAT THE DAY OF THEIR REUNION IS AT HAND. Methinks from hour to hour her voice I hear:

Ogni giorno mi par pi' di mill' anni. FAR FROM FEARING, HE PRAYS FOR DEATH. Each day to me seems as a thousand years,

Non pu' far morte il dolce viso amaro. SINCE HER DEATH HE HAS CEASED TO LIVE. Death cannot make that beauteous face less fair,

Dicemi spesso il mio fidato speglio. HE AWAKES TO A CONVICTION OF THE NEAR APPROACH OF DEATH. My faithful mirror oft to me has told--

Volo con l' ali de' pensieri al cielo. HE SEEMS TO BE WITH HER IN HEAVEN. So often on the wings of thought I fly

Morte ha spento quel Sol ch' abbagliar suolmi. WEARY OF LIFE, NOW THAT SHE IS NO LONGER WITH HIM, HE DEVOTES HIMSELF TO GOD. Death has the bright sun quench'd which wont to burn;

Deh porgi mano all' affannato ingegno. HE BEGS LOVE TO ASSIST HIM, THAT HE MAY WORTHILY CELEBRATE HER. Ah, Love! some succour to my weak mind deign,

Tennemi Amor anni ventuno ardendo. HE CONFESSES AND REGRETS HIS SINS, AND PRAYS GOD TO SAVE HIM FROM ETERNAL DEATH. Love held me one and twenty years enchain'd,

I' vo piangendo i miei passati tempi. HE HUMBLY CONFESSES THE ERRORS OF HIS PAST LIFE, AND PRAYS FOR DIVINE GRACE. Weeping, I still revolve the seasons flown

Dolci durezze e placide repulse. HE OWES HIS OWN SALVATION TO THE VIRTUOUS CONDUCT OF LAURA. O sweet severity, repulses mild,

Spirto felice, che s' dolcemente. BEHOLDING IN FANCY THE SHADE OF LAURA, HE TELLS HER THE LOSS THAT THE WORLD SUSTAINED IN HER DEPARTURE. Blest spirit, that with beams so sweetly clear

Che fai? che pensi? che pur dietro guardi. HE ENCOURAGES HIS SOUL TO LIFT ITSELF TO GOD, AND TO ABANDON THE VANITIES OF EARTH. What dost thou? think'st thou? wherefore bend thine eye

Datemi pace, o duri miei pensieri. HE COMPARES HIMSELF TO A BESIEGED CITY, AND ACCUSES HIS OWN HEART OF TREASON. O tyrant thoughts, vouchsafe me some repose!

Occhi miei, oscurato ' 'l nostro sole. HE ENDEAVOURS TO FIND PEACE IN THE THOUGHT THAT SHE IS IN HEAVEN. Mine eyes! our glorious sun is veil'd in night,

Poich' la vista angelica serena. WITH HER, HIS ONLY SOLACE, IS TAKEN AWAY ALL HIS DESIRE OF LIFE. Since her calm angel face, long beauty's fane,

Nell' et' sua pi' bella e pi' fiorita. HE DESIRES TO DIE, THAT HIS SOUL MAY BE WITH HER, AS HIS THOUGHTS ALREADY ARE. E'en in youth's fairest flower, when Love's dear sway

Vago augelletto che cantando vai. THE PLAINTIVE SONG OF A BIRD RECALLS TO HIM HIS OWN KEENER SORROW. Poor solitary bird, that pour'st thy lay;

Se lamentar augelli, o Verdi fronde. SHE IS EVER PRESENT TO HIM. If the lorn bird complain, or rustling sweep

Mai non fu' in parte ove s' chiar' vedessi. VAUCLUSE. Nowhere before could I so well have seen

Quante fiate al mio dolce ricetto. HER FORM STILL HAUNTS HIM IN SOLITUDE. How oft, all lonely, to my sweet retreat

Alma felice, che sovente torni. HE THANKS HER THAT FROM TIME TO TIME SHE RETURNS TO CONSOLE HIM WITH HER PRESENCE. O blessed spirit! who dost oft return,

Sennuccio mio, bench' doglioso e solo. ON THE DEATH OF HIS FRIEND SENNUCCIO. O friend! though left a wretched pilgrim here,

Quella per cui con Sorga ho cangiat' Arno. HE ATTEMPTS TO PAINT HER BEAUTIES, BUT NOT HER VIRTUES. She, for whose sake fair Arno I resign,

L' alto e novo miracol ch' a d' nostri. IT IS IMPOSSIBLE FOR HIM TO DESCRIBE HER EXCELLENCES. The wonder, high and new, that, in our days,

Zefiro torna, e 'l bel tempo rimena. RETURNING SPRING BRINGS TO HIM ONLY INCREASE OF GRIEF. Zephyr returns; and in his jocund train

Quel rosignuol che s' soave piagne. THE SONG OF THE NIGHTINGALE REMINDS HIM OF HIS UNHAPPY LOT. Yon nightingale, whose bursts of thrilling tone,

N' per sereno cielo ir vaghe stelle. NOTHING THAT NATURE OFFERS CAN AFFORD HIM CONSOLATION. Not skies serene, with glittering stars inlaid,

Tranquillo porto avea mostrato Amore. DEATH HAS ROBBED HIM IN ONE MOMENT OF THE FRUIT OF HIS LIFE. From life's long storm of trouble and of tears

Passato ' 'l tempo omai, lasso! che tanto. HIS ONLY DESIRE IS AGAIN TO BE WITH HER. Fled--fled, alas! for ever--is the day,

Mente mia che presaga de' tuoi danni. HE RECALLS WITH GRIEF THEIR LAST MEETING. My mind! prophetic of my coming fate,

Tutta la mia fiorita e verde etade. JUST WHEN HE MIGHT FAIRLY HOPE SOME RETURN OF AFFECTION, ENVIOUS DEATH CARRIES HER OFF. All my green years and golden prime of man

Tempo era omai da trovar pace o tregua. HE CONSOLES HIMSELF WITH THE BELIEF THAT SHE NOW AT LAST SYMPATHISES WITH HIM. 'Twas time at last from so long war to find

Discolorato hai, Morte, il pi' bel volto. HER PRESENCE IN VISIONS IS HIS ONLY CONSOLATION. Death, thou of fairest face hast 'reft the hue,

S' breve ' 'l tempo e 'l pensier s' veloce. THE REMEMBRANCE OF HER CHASES SADNESS FROM HIS HEART. So brief the time, so fugitive the thought

N' mai pietosa madre al caro figlio. HER COUNSEL ALONE AFFORDS HIM RELIEF. Ne'er did fond mother to her darling son,

Se quell' aura soave de' sospiri. SHE RETURNS IN PITY TO COMFORT HIM WITH HER ADVICE. If that soft breath of sighs, which, from above,

I' ho pien di sospir quest' aer tutto. VAUCLUSE HAS BECOME TO HIM A SCENE OF PAIN. To every sound, save sighs, this air is mute,

L' alma mia fiamma oltra le belle bella. HE ACKNOWLEDGES THE WISDOM OF HER PAST COLDNESS TO HIM. My noble flame--more fair than fairest are

Come va 'l mondo! or mi diletta e piace. HE BLESSES LAURA FOR HER VIRTUE. How goes the world! now please me and delight

Quand' io veggio dal ciel scender l' Aurora. MORN RENDERS HIS GRIEF MORE POIGNANT. When from the heavens I see Aurora beam,

Gli occhi di ch' io parlai s' caldamente. HIS LYRE IS NOW ATTUNED ONLY TO WOE. The eyes, the face, the limbs of heavenly mould,

Due gran nemiche insieme erano aggiunte. THE UNION OF BEAUTY AND VIRTUE IS DISSOLVED BY HER DEATH. Two mortal foes in one fair breast combined,

S' io avessi pensato che s' care. HIS POEMS WERE WRITTEN ONLY TO SOOTHE HIS OWN GRIEF: OTHERWISE HE WOULD HAVE LABOURED TO MAKE THEM MORE DESERVING OF THE FAME THEY HAVE ACQUIRED. Had I e'er thought that to the world so dear

Soleasi nel mio cor star bella e viva. SINCE HER DEATH, NOTHING IS LEFT TO HIM BUT GRIEF. She stood within my heart, warm, young, alone,

Soleano i miei pensier soavemente. HE COMFORTS HIMSELF WITH THE HOPE THAT SHE HEARS HIM. My thoughts in fair alliance and array

I' mi soglio accusare, ed or mi scuso. HE GLORIES IN HIS LOVE. I now excuse myself who wont to blame,

Quand' io mi volgo indietro a mirar gli anni. THE REMEMBRANCE OF THE PAST ENHANCES HIS MISERY. When I look back upon the many years

Ov' ' la fronte che con picciol cenno. HE ENUMERATES AND EULOGISES THE GRACES OF LAURA. Where is the brow whose gentlest beckonings led

Quanta invidia ti porto, avara terra. HE ENVIES EARTH, HEAVEN, AND DEATH THEIR POSSESSION OF HIS TREASURE. O earth, whose clay-cold mantle shrouds that face,

Valle che d' lamenti miei se' piena. ON HIS RETURN TO VAUCLUSE AFTER LAURA'S DEATH. Valley, which long hast echoed with my cries;

Levommi il mio pensier in parte ov' era. SOARING IN IMAGINATION TO HEAVEN, HE MEETS LAURA, AND IS HAPPY. Fond fancy raised me to the spot, where strays

Io pensava assai destro esser sull' ale. UNWORTHY TO HAVE LOOKED UPON HER, HE IS STILL MORE SO TO ATTEMPT HER PRAISES. I thought me apt and firm of wing to rise

Amor che meco al buon tempo ti stavi. HE VENTS HIS SORROW TO ALL WHO WITNESSED HIS FORMER FELICITY. Love, that in happier days wouldst meet me here

Mentre che 'l cor dagli amorosi vermi. HAD SHE NOT DIED SO EARLY, HE WOULD HAVE LEARNED TO PRAISE HER MORE WORTHILY. While on my heart the worms consuming prey'd

Anima bella, da quel nodo sciolta. HE PRAYS LAURA TO LOOK DOWN UPON HIM FROM HEAVEN. Bright spirit, from those earthly bonds released,

Quel sol che mi mostrava il cammin destro. LOVE AND HE SEEK LAURA, BUT FIND NO TRACES OF HER EXCEPT IN THE SKY. That sun, which ever signall'd the right road,

Voi, ch' ascoltate in rime sparse il suono. HE CONFESSES THE VANITY OF HIS PASSION Ye who in rhymes dispersed the echoes hear