This is from Dante's Vita Nova.
O voi che per la via d’Amor passate,
Attendete e guardate S’elli è dolor alcun, quanto mio grave; E prego sol ch’audir mi sofferiate E poi imaginate S’io son d’ogni tormento ostale e chiave. Amor, non già per mia poca bontate, Ma per sua nobilitate, Mi pose in vita sì dolce e soave Ch’io mi sentia dir dietro spesse fiate: “Deo, per qual dignitate Così leggiadro questi lo core have?” Or ho perduta tutta mia baldanza Che si movea d’amoroso tesoro; Ond’io pover dimoro, In guisa che di dir mi ven dottanza, Sì che volendo far come coloro Che per vergogna celan lor mancanza, Di fuor mostro allegranza E dentro da lo core struggo e ploro. |
O you who walk awhile along Love’s way,
wait here, and look, and say if any grief there be to equal mine; I beg that you will let my voice be heard, reflecting, at each word, if I of every woe am not the sign. Love, not for any worth upon my part, but through his noble heart, ensconced me in a life that seemed divine; thus many times I heard it said of me, “This heart so light and free - O God, within this man what virtues shine?” But now, alas, my confidence is spent that flowed from Love’s own treasury and store, and I am thus left poor and even fear to speak, lest I repent. And so I wish to do as those who keep their lack a secret, lest it bring disgrace; I wear a cheerful face, and in my heart I waste away and weep. |