THE LIBRARY OF THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA LOS ANGELES PETRARCH TRANSLATED ; IN A SELECTION OF HIS SONNETS, AND ODES ACCOMPANIED WITH NOTES, AND THE ORIGINAL ITALIAN; ALSO WITH THE HEAD OF PETRARCH FROM AN ANTIQUE BRONZE; BY THE TRANSLATOR Or CATULLUS. Donee crunt ignes, arcusque Cupidinis arma, Sj-c. OVID. LOIS DC) \ : '^iiAili't,, rOlLXKY; A ii ^,B L'j-^ILK, ::;K"a.\D. IS -^ ^ >i % DEDICATION. To RICHARD HEBER, Esquire, SIR, CO ft Your eminent acquirements in every branch of polite literature, and distinguished reputation, will exempt me from all suspicion of flattery, when I con- fess myself proud in being permitted to in- 5 scribe to you this little Volume. I sincerely Avish its merit were such as might justly entitle it to 3'our re- gard: I trust, howxver, it will be accepted as a proof of the high esteem I bear your character; in which I know not whether to admire most, the correctness of your tastcj, DEDICATION. and the extensiveness of your erudition; or that generous ardour, and hberahtj of spi- rit, which lead you to encourage every attempt towards enlarging the bounds, and facilitating the attainment of knowledge. I am, Sir, Your very faithful and obliged servant, THE TRANSLATOR. August I, 1808. a grap^e of JDctrartk, anti of %aura j^iss latiie* FROM Songs and Sonnets of vncertaine Auctors; SUBJOINED TO THE POEMS OF HENRY HOWARD EARL OF SURREY, AND OF SIR THOMAS WYAT THE ELDER. RICHARD TOTTEL's EDIT. 1557. fiD IPctrartfic, ^eti anti prince of poets al Mif)03e litelp cift of flotaine eloquence S2HeI mag toe sefie, hut fintie not Ijoto, or toKjence, So rare a cift toiti) tbee Bin ri0e anli fal, IPeace to tftg fioncs, anD dorp tmmortan ^c to tf)!? nsme, anti to ^er ejccellence, ffiHtfjose beautp UQtitfH in t^g time anD sence, So to be act fort|) as none otijer isii&lU 2231)2 f)atf) not our pens rimes so parfit torougf)te, /5e tof}? cur time fortfj bringetf) beautp sucfj ? ^0 ttje our toittCB as gofDe is bp tftc touc^e, 31f to tl)e stile tl)e matter aitiei oucljt ! But tljer teas ncber ILsure more tfjen one, anTj ^er fjaD ipetrarcfte for Jjts paragone* ADVERTISEMENT. Before I exJiihit what would appear to me some of the most beautiful, and certainly some of the most esteemed Sonnets, and Odes of Petrarch, both in their original form, and in an English dress ; it may not be impertinent to remark, that liitherto the celebrity (yf the Great Tuscan has, with the ge- nerality of his readers at least, rested entirely on his amorous, and poetical compositions : these, in Italian, cojisist ofS\7 Sonnets; 49 Odes (Caxzoxt, some qfzvhich are denominated Sestine, Ballate, or ^Madrigali) and Q Poems entitled Triumphs, or Pageants, most of them dixiided into Parts {C a - PiTOLi). Bat it ought to be undo^stood, that they form a very iiiconsidcrable, and, in one point of x'iezv, 7iot the most rneritorious part of k X ADVERTISEMENT. his works. Petrarch teas one of the Jirst moral philosophers, that any age has producal : arid the retival of letters ozces as much to his tastCy genius, and industyy, as to those of any other indiri^ dual literature has to boast. This ivill be in a great measure evident from a list of his zcorks, which to the curious reader may not prove unac' ceptable, extracted from the Basil edition o/' 1581, in folio. 1 . Of the Remedies against good, and bad For' tune : II Books. 2. Of Solitary Life: II Rooks. 3 . Of the Leisure of Alonastic Persons : 1 1 B o o k s. 4. Of True JFisdom : II Dialogues. 5. Of Contempt of the JVorld: III Dialogues. 6. On the Seven Penitential Psalms. 7. Concerning the best Administration of Goven^ ment. 8. On the Duties, and Virtues of Commanders. 9. Of memorable Things : IV Books. 10. An abridgement f the Lives f illustrious Men. 1 1 . An Exhortation to restore Peace to Italy. 12. An Oration to the ancient Defenders of the Roman State. IS. An Eddwrtation to attempt the recovery of Liberty. ADVERTISEMENT. XI 14. Concerning the Fidelity j and Obedience of IVives 15. Of the shunning Avai^ice. \6. Jn Itinerari/ to the Holy Land. 17 Letters on his oztn Affairs : VIII Books. 1 8. to some of the most illustrious of the Ancients : I Book. 19. without any address: I Book. 20. concerning his affairs in his old Age^ XVI Books. 21. on Various Subjects : I Book. 22. On Ignorance both of one's ownself and others. 2,3. A Reply to the In-cective of an anonymous Frenchman. 24. An Invective against a certain Physician : IV Books. 25 Letters relative to his obtaining the Laurel, Petrarch zcrote in Latin verse: 1 . Pastoral Eclogues. 2. Africa^ an Heroic Poem on the Carthaginian War: XII Books. 3. Epistles : III Books. Besides xchat are published, there are extant in several libraries iji Italy, and in the national li- brary at Paris, in mwuiscript, many small Tracts, and a great number of Letters addressed by Pe- XU ADVERTISEMENT. trarch to the most emme?it charactei^s of his times ; which are described, by those zcho have consulted them, as highiij curious^ and interesting. Nothing is more called for .^ or would prove more acceptable^ than a complete^ and correct edition of Petrarch's Latin zvorks. Of the existing editions, that of 1501, by Simon de Lucre, and that of Marco Ori- gotio, \5l6 (dated by mistake i4l6J both planted at Venice, are considered the best. The tzco Basil editions of 1.554, and 1581, though the most com- mon, arc by far the worst : in many places, the typographical errors render entire passages ine.v- plicable. SONNETS, AND ODES. SONETTI, E CANgONI D I PETRARCA. SONETTO L 1. t^oi cli' ascoltate in rime sparse il siiono Di quel sospiri oncV io 7mdriva il core In sul mio primo giovenile errore, Quand era in parte altr uom da quel cK i sono ; Del vario stile^ in ch' io piango, e ragiono Fra k vane speranze, e 7 van dolor e ; Oct sia chi per prova intenda amorey Spero trovar pieta, non che per dona. ]\Ia ben veggi or^ si come al popol tut to Favolafui gran tempo ; onde sovente Di me medesmo meco mi vergogno : E del mio vaneggiar vergogiia h Ufrutto, E 'I pe?itirsi, e 7 conoscer chiaramente^ Che quanto piace al mondo e breve sogno. SONNETS, AND ODES OF PETRARCH. SONNET I. O VE, who list ill scattered verse the sound Of all those sighs nith which my heart I fed. What time by youthful error first misled, When I unlike the present man was found ; W^ho list the plaints, the reas'nings that abound Throughout my song, by hopes, and vain griefs bred ; If e'er true love its influence o'er ye shed, O let your pity be with pardon crown'd ! Rut now full well I see how to the crowd For length of time I prov'd a public jest : E'en by myself my folly is allow'd : And of my vanity the fruit is shame, Repentance, and a knowledge strong imprest, That worldly pleasure is a passing dream. B '2 SONETTp II. 2. Jter far una leggiadra sua vendetta, E punir in tin dl ben milk offese, Celat anient e Amor t arco riprese, Coni uom cK a nocer luogo, e tempo aspetta. Era la mia "virtute al cor ristretta, Per far" ivi, e ne gli occki sue difese ; Quando 7 colpo mortal laggiu discese Ove solea spuntarsi ogni saetta. Perd turbata nel primiero assalto, Non ebbe tanto ne vigor, nh spazio, Che potesse al bisogno pre?ider C arme ; Ovvero al poggiofaticoso, ed alto Ritrarmi accortamcnte dallo strazio ; Del qual oggi wrrebbe, e non pud aitarme. SONNET II. r OR many a crime at once to make me smart, 7\nd a delicious vengeance to obtain, Love secretly took up his bow again, As one who acts the cunning coward's part ; My courage had retir'd within my heart. There to defend the pass bright eyes might gain; When his dread archery was pour'd amain Where blunted erst had fallen evVy dart. Scar'd at the sudden brisk attack, I found Nor time, nor vigour to repel the foe With weapons suited to the direful need ; No kind protection of rough rising ground. Where from defeat I might securely speed, "Which fain I would e'en now, but ah, no method know ! SONETTO III. 7. La gola, e 7 sonno, e /' oziose piiime Hanno del mondo ogni "virtii sbandita, Ond' h dal corso suo quasi smarrita Nostra natura vinta dal costume : Ed h SI speiitn ogni. henigno lume Del ciel, per cut s' informa umana vita ; Che per cosa mirabile s' addita, Chi vuol Jar d Elicojia nascer fiume. Qual xaghezza di lauro? qual di mirto ? Potera, e 7iuda vai, Filosojia, Dice la turba al vil guadagno intesa. Pochi compagni atrai per /' ultra via; Tanto ti prcgo piit, gentile spirto, Non lassar la magnanima tua imprcsa. SONNET 111. Intemp'raxce, slumber, and the slothful down Have chas'd each virtue from this world away; Hence is our nature nearly led astray From its due course, by habitude o'erthrown : Those kindly lights of heav'n so dim are grown, Which shed o'er human life instruction's ray ; That him with scornful wonder they survey, Who would draw forth the stream of Helicon. " Whom doth the laurel please, or myrtle now ? " Naked and poor, Philosophy, art thou !"' The worthless crowd, intent on lucre, cries. Few on thy chosen road will thee attend ; Yet let it more incite thee, gentle friend, To prosecute thy high-conceiv'd emprise. jv \ 8 SONETTO IV. 8. A. PIE de colli, ove la bella vesta Prese delle terrene membra pria La doniia, che colui cfi a te ne 'nvia, Spesso dal sonno lagrimando desta : Libere in pace passavam per quest a Vita mortal, cK ogni animal desia, Senza sospetto di trovar jra via Cosa cK al nostf andar fosse molest a. Ma del misero stato ore noi semo Condotte dalla vita altra serena, Un sol conforto, e delta morte^ avemo : Che rendetta e di lid cIC a cio ?ie menu ; Lo qual inforza altrui, prrsso air estremo, ' H'lman legato con maggior catena. SONNET IV. JjENEATH tliose vei7 hills, where beauty threw Her mantle first o'er that earth-moulded fair. Who oft from sleep, while shedding many a tear, Awakens him that sends us unto you, Our lives in peaccfulness and freedom flew, E'en as all creatures wish who hold life dear ; Nor deemd we aught could in its course come near, ^\'hence to our wand'rin^s danjicr mijiht accrue. o o o But from tlic wretched state to which we *re brought. Leaving another with sercncness fraujilit. Nay, e'en from death, one comfort we obtain ; That vengeance follows him who sent us here j Another's utmost thraldom doom'd to bear. Bound he now lies with a still stronger chain. 10 CANZONE I. 1. LmssARE il 'velo o per sole, o per ombra, Donna, non vi vid' io, Pot, che 'n me conosceste il gran desio, CJi ogni altra wglia dentr*al cor mi sgomhra. Mentr io portava i be' pensier celati, C hanno la mente desiando morta, Vidivi di pietate ornare il volto : Ma poi, ch* Amor di me ni fece accorta. Fur i biondi capelli allor ^celati, E r amoroso sguardo in se raccolto. Quel, che piii desiava in voi, m e tolto ; Si mi governa il velo, Che per mia morte ed al caldo, ed al gielo, Dc be' vostr* occhi il dolce lumc adombra. 11 ODE I. Wherefore, my unkind fair-one, say, Whether the sun fierce darts his ray, Or whether gloom o'erspreads the sky. That envious veil is ne'er thrown by ; Though well you read my heart, and knew How much I long'd your charms to view ? While I conceal' d each tender thought, That my fond mind's destruction wrought. Your face with pity sweetly shone ; But, when Love made my passion known, Your sunny locks w ere seen no more, Nor smil'd your eyes as heretofore ; Behind a jealous cloud rctir'd Those beauties which I most admir'd. And shall a veil thus rule my fate? (), cruel veil, that whether heat. Or cold be felt, art doom'd to prove Fatal to me, shadowing the lights I love ! 12 SONETTO V. 11. Se la mia vita dalt aspro tormento Si pud tanto schermire, e dagli affanni, CK i neggia per virtu degli iiltim* anni. Donna, de be vostr* occhi it lume spento : E i cape d' oro Jin farsi d^ argento, E lassar le ghirlande, e i verdi panni, E 7 viso scolorir che n^ miei danni A lamentar mi fa pauroso, e lento : Pur mi dara tanta baldanza Amore, CIC i' vi discovriro de* miei martiri Qua sono stati gli anni, e i giorni, e /' ore : E se'l tempo } contrario ai be' desiri ; Non fia, cli almen non giungn al mio dolor c Alcun soccorso di tardi sospiri. 13 SONNET V. M.Y life, sweet lady, could I but maintain Free from all rig*rous torment, and from care. That I might view through each declining year Your beauteous eyes no longer bright remain ; Your locks of fine gold silver whiteness gain ; Those gay-green robes, the wreaths you wont to wear Thrown by ; and, ah, faded that face so fair, Which makes me slow, and fearful to complain ! Love then at least such daring should inspire, That of the sufferings I've been doom'd to feel The years, days, hours I might to you reveal. And, though the period suit not fond desire, Yet the soft griefs that in my bosom rise Still may she mitigate with tardy sighs. 14 SONET TO VI, 18. Vergognando talor^ cK ancor si taccia, Donna, per me vostra bellezza in rima, Ricorro al tempo, cli i' vi vidi prima, Tal die null' altra fia mai che mi piaccia. Ma trovo peso nan dalle mie braccia, Ne orra da polir con la mia lima : Perd V ingegno, che sua for za estima, NeW fiperazion tutto s" agghiaccia. Pin volte gia per dir le lahbra apersi; Poi rimase la voce in mezzo 'I petto. Ma qual saon poria mai salir tant' alto ? Pill volte incoinineiai di scriver versi : Ma la peuna^ e la mano, c I' intellttto lUmaser vinli nel priinier assalto. 15 SONNET VI. Asham'd sometimes thy beauties should remain As yet unsung, sweet lady, in my rhyme ; When first I saw thee I recall the time. Pleasing as none shall ever please again. But no fit polisli can my verse attain, Not mine is strength to try the task sublime : My genius, measuring its pow'r to climb. From such attempt doth prudently refi-ain. Full oft I op'd my lips to chant thy name ; Then in mid utterance tlie lay was lost : But say what muse can dare so bold a flight ? Full oft I strove in measure to endite j But ah, the j)cn, the hanci, the vein I boast At once were vanquish'd by the mighty theme ! 16 SONETTO VIL 19. Jmille Jiate, o dolce mia guerrera, Per aver cd hegli occhi vostri pace, V aggio profferto il cor : m a voi non piace Mirar si basso con la mente altera : E se di lui fori altra donna spera; Vive in speranza debile, e fallace : Mio, perche sdegno cid cii a voi displace^ Esser non pud giammai cost, com' era. Or s' h lo scaccio, ed e non trova in voi Neir essilio infellce alcun soccorso, N} sa star sol, nt gire ov altr' il chiaina ; Porria smarrire il suo natural corso ; Che grave colpa Jla d' ambeduo noi, M tanto pill di voi, quanto piu v ama. 17 SONNET VII. A THOUSAND times, sweet warriour, to obtain Peace with those beauteous eyes I've vainly tried, ProfF'ring my heart ; but with that lofty pride To bend your looks so lowly you refrain : Expects a stranger fair that heart to gain ; In frail, fallacious hopes will she confide : It never more to me can be allied ; Since what you scorn, dear lady, I disdain. In its sad exile if no aid you lend, Banisird by me ; and it can neither stay Alone, nor yet another's call obey ; Its vital course must hasten to its end : Ah me, how guilty then we both should prove, I3ut guilty you the most, for you it most doth love ' 18 CANZONE II. 3. A QUALVNQUE animak alberga in terra ; x Se non se alquanti c' hanno in odio il sole ; Tempo da travagliare e quant o e 7 gioiiio : Ma poi, ch* il del accende le sue stelle, Qual torna a casa, e qual s' annida in selva Per aver posa almeno infiii aW alba, Ed io da che comincia la beW alba A scooter t ombra intorno delta terra, S'vegliando gli animali in ogni selva, Non ho mai triegua di sospir col sole. Poi, quand' io veggio Jiammeggiar le stelle, Vo lagrimando, e desiando il giorno. 19 ODE 11. JbiACH creature, on whose wakeful eyes The bright sun pours his golden fire. By clay a destin'd toil pursues ; And, when heav'n's lamps illnnie the skies, All to some haunt for rest retire, Till a fresh dawn that toil renews. But I, when a new morn doth rise, Chasing from earth its murky shades, A\'liiic rins the forests with delight, rind no remission of my sighs ; And, soon as night her mantle spreads, 1 weep, and wish returning hght. 20 Quando la sera scaccia il chiaro giorno, ^ E k. tenebre nostre altruifann alba ; \- Miro pemoso le crudeli stelky ^ Che m* hannofatto di sensibil terra ; '^ E maledico il di cK i vidi 7 sole, ^ Che mi fa iii vista uvl uom nudrito in selva. ^ Non credo che pascesse inai per selva Si asprafera, o di notte, o di giorno. Come costei, cU i piango aW ombra, e al sole : E non mi stanca prima sonno, od alba ; Che bench* ijia mortal corpo di terra, Lo miofermo desir vien dalle stelle. Prima cK i torni a voi, lucenti stelle, O tomi gill nelP amorosa selva Lassando il corpo, chejia trita terra ; Vedess' io in lei pieta : cK in un sol giorno Pud ristorar molt' anni, e *tmanzi f alba Puommi arricchir dal tramontar del sole. 21 Again when eve bids day retreat. O'er other climes to dart its rays ; Pensive those cruel stars I view, Which influence thus my am'rous fate ; And imprecate that beauty's blaze, Which o'er my form such wildness threw. No forest surely in its glooms Nurtures a savage so unkind As she, who bids these sorrows flow : I\Ie, nor the dawn, nor sleep o'ercomes ; For, though of mortal mould, my mind Feels more than passion's mortal glow. Ere up to you, bright orbs, I fly, Or to Love's bow'r speed down my way. While here my mould'ring limbs remain ; Let me her pity once espy : Thus, rich in bliss, one little day Shall recompense whole years of pain. 22 Con lei Joss* io da che si parte il sole ; E non ci vedess* altri che le stelle ; Sol una notte, e mat non fosse /' alba; E non si trasformasse in verde selva Per uscirmi di hraccia^ come il giorno Che Apollo la seguia quaggiu per terra. Ma 10 sard sotterra i?i secca selva ; E 7 giorno andra pien di miinite stelle, Prima cK a s\ dolce alba arrivi il sole. 23 Be Laura mine at set of sun ; Let heav'n's fires only mark our loves, j And the day no er its light renew; My fond embrace may she not shun ; Nor, Phoebus-like, through laurel groves May I a nymph transformd pursue ! But I shall cast this mortal veil on earth, And stars shall gild the noon, ere such bright scenes have birth. 24 SONETTO VIII. 26. (jriu4 Jiammeggiava V amorosa stella Per C oriente, e V altra^ che Giunone Siiol far gelosa, nel settentrione Rotava i raggi suoi luceiite, e bella ; Levata era a jilar la *vecchierella Discinta, e scalza, e desto an)ea 7 car bone: E gli amanti pungea quella stagione Che per usanza a lagrimar gli appella ; Quando mia speme gia condotta al verde Giunse nel cor, non per Viisata via ; Che 7 sonno tenea chiiisa, e 7 dolor molle ; Quanto cangiata, oinih, da quel di pria ! E parea dir, percJi^ tuo xalor perde ? Veder guati occhi ancor non ti si iolle. 25 SONNET VIII. 1 HROUGHOUT the Orient now began to flame The star of love ; while o'er the northern sky That, which has oft rais'd Juno's jealousy, Pour'd forth its beauteous scintillating beam : Beside her kindled hearth the housewife dame, Half-drest, and slipshod 'gan her distaff ply : And now the wonted hour of woe drew nigh. That wakes to tears the lover from his dream : When my sweet hope unto my mind appeared, Not in the custom'd way unto my sight; For grief had bath'd my lids, and sleep had weigh'd ; Ah me, how chang'd tha.t form by love endear'd ! " Why lose thy fortitude?" mcthought she said, " These eyes not yet from thee withdraw their light." 26 SONETTO IX. 27. Apollo; 5' aticor five il htl desio, Che f injiammava alle Thessalice onde ; E se non hai C amate ch'iomc blonde Volgendo gU anni gili poste in obblio ; Dal pigro gielo, e dnl tempo aspro, e rio, Che dura qiianto 7 tuo liso .s' asconde ; D'lfendi or /' onorata^ e sacra fronde Ore tu prima, e poi fiC inxescaf io: E per vert it dell' ajyiorosa speme Che ti sostenne nella vita acerba, Di (jue.ste impression /' acre disgombra. Si vcdrcm poi per maraviglia insieme Seder la dovua nostra sopra /' erba, KJar delle sac braccia a se stess' onibra. 27 SONNET IX O Phoebus, if that fond desire remains, Which fir'd thy breast near the Thessahan wave; If those bright tresses, which such pleasure gave, Through lapse of years thy mem'ry not disdains ; From sluggish frosts, from rude inclement rains, ^\^hich last the while thy beams our region leave, That honour'd sacred tree from peril save, Whose name of dear accordance wak'd our pains ! And, by that am'rous hope ^vhicll sooth'd thy care. What time expectant thou wcrt doom'd to sigh Dispel those va{)Ours wliich disturb our sky ! So shall we both behold our fav'ritc fair ^\'ith wonder, seated on the grassy mead, And forming w.th her arms herself a shade. 2B SONETTO X. 28. OoLo, e pensoso i piu deserti cmnpi Vo misurando a passi tardiy e lenti ; E gli occhi porto per fuggir intenti Dove vestigio uman la rena stampi. Altro schermo non trovo che mi scampi Dal manifesto accorger delle genti : Perc/i^ negli atti d' allegrezza spend Di fuor si legge com^ io dentro avvampi : S), ch' io mi credo oinai, che monti, e piagge, E fiumi, e selve sappian di che tempre Sia la mia vita ; clC ^ celata altrui. Ma pur s\ hspre vie, n^ si selxagge Cercar non so, ch' A)iwr non venga semprc Ragionando con meco, ed io con lui. 29 SONNET X. All solitary, lost in thought, I stray, ]\Ieas'ring with slow, slack step the plains most drear ; And round me look, intent on flight, where'er The tread of human kind may print the way. To shield me from th' observant world's survey No other refuge I discover near : For all my acts such lack of joyancc wear. They show without what fires within me prey : Nay, well I ween that ever is reveal'd To mountain, river, forest, and to plain My woe of life, from mortal race conceal'd. But roush, and rugned haunts I seek in vain i Still in thoie haunts am I by I.ove assail'd, ^Vho conver.se witli me hok]<, which 1 in turn maintain. 30 SONET TO XI. 37. XL mio avversario ; i?i cui veder solete Gli occhi "costri, cW Amore, e 7 cieV onora ; Con le non sue hellezze xi* innamora, Pill die ^n guisa mortal, socrci, e Uete. Per consigUo di lui, doima, m^ a'vete Scacciato del mio dolce alhergofora ; Misero esilio ! avvegnacJi io nonjora ly ahitar degno oxe xoi sola siete. ]\Ia s' io V era con saldi chiovi Jisso, Non devea speech io Jdrvi per mio danno^ A roi sfessa piacendo, aspra c superha. Certo se xi riinembra di Narcisso ; QaestOy e quel corse, ad an terniino xan?io : Benchh di si bel Jior sia inde^ia /' erba. 31 SONNET XL My rival, in whose face you're wont to view Your own bright eyes, which Love and heav'n adore, "With beauty not its own dehghts you more Than all that's fair in mortal guise could do. Its counsel, ladv, which with cause I rue, Compels me from my home so sweet before; \ Unhappy exile ! merit gives no pow'r To share a station occupied by you. But to your glass if I transferr'd could be. Not your proud image only should you see. Becoming self-enamour'd, to my cost. Rightly reflect upon Narcissus' fate; Both his, and vours a like event await : Although no soil has Avorth so choice a flow'r to boast. $2 SONETTO XII. 41. Perch io f abbia guardato di menzogna A mio podere, ed onorato assai, Ingrata lingua, gia perd non m* hai Renduto onor, ma fat to ira^ c rergogtia : Che quando piii 7 tuo ajuto mi bisogna Per dima?tdar mercede, allor ti stai Sempre piii fredda ; e se parole fai^ Sono imperfettCy e quasi d* uom die sogna. Lagrime triste, e voi tiitte le iiotti ]\r accompagnate^ ov io rorrci star solo : Poi fug git e dinajizi alia ynia pace. E toi si pronti a darmi angoscia, e duolo^ Sospiri, allor traete lenti, e rotti. Sola la I'isia 7nia del cor non tace. 33 SONNET XII. Although from falsehood I did thee restrain With all my povv'r, and paid thee honour due, Ungrateful tongue ; yet never did accrue Honour from thee, but shame, and fierce disdain : Most art thou cold, when most I want the strain Thy aid should lend while I for pity sue ; And all thy utt'rance is imperfect too, When thou dost speak, and as the dreamer's vain. Ye too, sad tears, throughout each ling'ring night Upon me wait, w hen I alone would stay ; But, needed by my peace, you take your flight : And, all so prompt anguish, and grief t' impart. You sighs, then slow, and broken breathe your way Aly looks alone truly reveal my heart. 34 CANZONE IIL 9. Nella stagion che 7 del rapido inchina f\ Verso occidente, e che 7 di nostra voia ^ A gente che di laforse V aspetta ; Veggendosi in Ionian paese sola, f La stanca vecchierella pellegrina ' Raddoppia i passi, e piu e piu s* affretta : E poi cosi soletta Aljin di sua giornata Talora e consolata Zy alcun breve riposo ; ov' ella obblia La noja, e 7 mal della passata via. Ma lasso, ogni dolor che 7 d\ m adduce ^ Cresce, qualor s' invia Per partirsi da noi V eteima luce. 35 ODE III. What time towards the western skies The sun with parting radiance flies, And other climes gilds with expected light, Some aged pilgrim dame who strap's Alone, fatigued, through pathless ways^ Hastens her step, and dreads th' approach of night. Then, tlie day's journey o'er, she'll steep Her sense awhile in grateful sleep ; Forgetting all the pain, and peril past; But I, alas! fmd no repose, Each sun to me brings added woes. While lights eternal orb rolls from us fast. 1) 2 36 Come 7 sol nolge le ^nfiammate rote, ' Per dar luogo alia notte ; onde discende ' Dagli altmimi monti maggior I* ombra ; 3 Z' avaro zappador V arme riprende ; E con parole, e con alpestri note / Ogni gravezza del suo petto sgombra : I E poi la mensa ingombra Di povere v'wande, "^ Simili a quelle ghiande, Le qua fuggendo tutto 7 mondo onora. Ma chi 'vuoly si rallegri ad ora ad ora : Cli i* pur non ebbi ancor non diro lieta. Ma riposata un^ ora, Nh per >volger di del, nh di pianeta. 37 When the sun's wheels no longer glow, And hills their lengthened shadows throw. The hind collects his tools, and carols gay; Then spreads his board with frugal fare, Such as those homely acorns were, Which all revere, yet casting them away. Let those, who pleasure can enjoy, In cheerfulness their hours employ ; While I, of all earth's wretches most unblest, W^hether the sun fierce darts his beams, W^hether the moon more mildly gleams. Taste no delight, no momentary rest ! 1 ^i J4_ \ J i 3^ Quando vede * I pastor cdtdre i r'dggi ' Del gran pianeta al nido o'c tgli alberga, '' jEJ' mbrunir le contrade d' oriente; ^ Drizzasi in piedi, e con V usata verga, ^- Lassando V erba, e lefontane, e ifaggif ' Move la schiera sua soavemente : 3 Poi Ionian dalla gente O casetta, o spelunca ^ Di verdifrondi ingiunca ; ^ Ivi senza pensier s* adagia, e dorme. - Ahi crudo Amor, ma tu allor piii m informe A seguir d' una f era, che mi strugge, G La voce, e i passi, e V ormc ; - E lei non stringi, che s^ appiatta, efugge, [ 39 When the swain views the star of day Quench in the pillowing waves its ray. And scatter darkness o'r the eastern skies ; Rising, his custom'd crook he takes, The beech-wood, fountain, plain forsakes, As calmly homeward with his flock he hies. Remote from man, then on his bed In cot, or cave, with fresh leaves spread, He courts soft slumber, and suspense from care , While thou, fell Love, bidst me pursue That voice, those footsteps which subdue My soul J yet movest not th' obdurate fair ! 40 JE i natiganti in qualche chiusa valle Gettan le membra, poi die 7 sol s' ascojide, Sul duro legno, e sotto V aspre gonne. Ma io ; per die s attuffi in mezzo V ondcj E lassi Ispagna diet r a alle sue spalle^ jE Granata, e Marrocco, e le Colonne ; E gli uomini, e le donne, E 7 riio7ido, e gli atiimali Acquetino i lor mali ; Fine non pcngo al mio ostinato affanno: E duolmi, di ogni giorno arroge al danno : CK i son gia pur crescendo in quest a voglia Ben presso al decim anno ; Ne poss' indovmar chi me ne scioglia. 41 Lock*d in some bay, to taste repose On the hard deck, the sailor throws His coarse garb o'er him, when the car of light, Granada, with Morocco leaves. The Pillars fam'd, Ib^r^'a^s waves, And the world's hiic-h'd, and all its race, in night. But never will my sorrows cease, Successive days their sum ini reuse, Though just ten annual suns have mark'd my pain Say, to this bosom's poignant grief Who shall adiiiinisttT reHet ? Say, who at lenglii shall Iree me from my chain ? 4S E, percht un poco iiel parlar mi sfogo ; Veggio la sera i huoi tornare sciolti Dalk campagney e da* solcati colU, I miei sospiri a me perche non tolti Quando che sia? perche nd 'I grave giogo? Percht d\, e notte gli occhi miei son molli f Misero me, eke t'olli, Quando primier sijiso Gli tenni nel bel viso, Per iscolpirlo immaginando in parte Onde mai ne per forza, ne per arte Mosso sara ; Jin cK i sia data in preda A chi tutto diparte ? Ne so ben' anco, che di lei mi creda. 4S And, since there's comfort in the strain, I see at eve along each plain, And furrow'd hill, the unyokM team return : Why at that hour will no one stay My sighs, or bear my yoke away ? Why bath*d in tears must I unceasing mourn ? Wretch that I was, to fix my sight First on that face with such delight, Till on my tliought its charms were strong imprest, Which force shall not efface, nor art. Ere from this frame my soul dispart ! Nor know I then if passion's vot'ries rest. 44 Canzon ; se V esser mece Dal mattino alia sera T' ha fatto di mia schiera ; Tu non vorrai mostrarti in ciascun loco: E d* altrui loda curerai si poco, CK assai ti Jia pensar di poggio in poggioy Come rri ha concio H foco Di quest a ma petra ov' io ni appoggio* 45 O, hasty strain devoid of worth, Sad as the bard who brought thee forth, Shew not thyself, be with the world at strife, From nook to nook indulge thy grief; While thy lorn parent seeks relief, Nursing that am'rous flame which feeds his Ufe 46 CANZONE IV. 14. Perch E quel die mi ti-asse ad amar priTnaj Altrui colpa mi toglia; Del mio sermo *voler gih, non mi svoglia. Tra Ic chiome dell or nascose il laccio Al qual mi strinse A?no7'e ; E da begli occhi mosse ilfreddo ghiaccio Che ?m passd nel core Con la vcrtu d un subito splendore, Che d' ogni altra ma t'oglia Sol rimembrando ancor /' anima spoglia. 47 ODE IV. Though cruelty denies my view Those charms which led me first to love ; To passion yet will I be true, Nor shall my will rebellious prove. Amid the curls of golden hair, That wave those beauteous temples round, Cupid spread craftily the snare With which my captive heart he bound : And from those eyes he caught the ray. Which thaw'd the ice that fenc'd my breast. Chasing all other thoughts away With brightness suddenly imprest. 48 Tolta rri e pot di que* biondi capelli, Lasso, la dolce vista ; E Y volger di duo lurni onesti, e belli Col suofuggir m attrista : Ma perche ben morendo onor s' acquista ; Per morte, ne per doglia Non fo' che da tal nodo Amor mi scioglia. 49 But now that hair of sunny gleam, Ah me ! is ravish 'd from my sight ; Those beauteous eyes withdraw their beam. And change to sadness past dehght. A glorious death by all is priz'd ; 'Tis death alone shall break my chain : O be love's timid wail despis'd ! Lovers should nobly suffer pain. 50 CANZONE V. 18. Perche la vita e breve, E V ingegno paventa all* alt a impresa; Ne di lui, ne di lei molto mifido ; Ma spero che sia intesa La dov* io bramo, e la dov* tsser deve, La doglia mia, la qual tacendo i* grido : Occhi leggiadri, dov* Amor fa nido, A voi 7'ivolgo il mio debile stile Pigro da se ; ma 7 gra7i piacer lo sprona E chi di voi ragiona, Tien dal suggetto un ahito gentile ; Che con V ale amorose Levando, il parte d' ogni pensier vile. Con qucste alzato vengo a dire or cose, CIC ho portate 7iel cor gran tempo ascose. 51 ODE V. biNCE human life is frail, And genius trembles at the lofty theme ; I little confidence in either place : But let my tender wail There, where it ought, deserv'd attention claim, That wail which e'en in silence we may trace. () beauteous eyes, where Love doth nestling stay 1 To you I turn my insufficient lay, Unapt to flow ; but passion's goad I feel : And he, of you who sings. Such courteous habit bv the strain is tausrht, That, borne on amVous wings, He soars above tlic reach of vulgar thought : Exalted thus, I venture to reveal U'hat long my cautious heart has labour'd to conceal. 52 Non percK io non rrC avveggia Quanta mia laude e ingiuriosa a mi : Ma contrastar non posso al gran desioy Lo quale h in me dapoi CK i' xiidi quel che pensier non pareggia ; Non che V agguagli altrui parlar\ o mio. Principio del mio dolce stato rio, Altri che voiy so ben, che non in intende, Quando a gli ardenti rai neve divegno ; Vostro gentile sdegno Forse cK allor mia indegnitate offende. O, se questa temenza Non temprasse /' arsura che ni incende ; Beato venir men : che 'n lor presenza M' h pill caro il morir, che 7 'viver .senza. 55 Yes, well do I perceive To you how wrongful is my scanty praise ; Yet the strong impulse cannot be withstood. That urges, since I view'd What fancy to the sight before ne'er gave, What ne'er before grac'd mine, or higher lays. Bright authors of my sadly-pleasing state, That you alone conceive me, well I know, . When to your fierce beams I become as snow ! Your elegant disdain Haply then kindles at my worthless strain. Did not this dread create Some mitigation of my bosom's heat. Death would be bliss : for greater joy 'twould give With them to die, without them than to live. 54 Dunque cK i* non mi sfaccia, SI frale oggetto a si possente foco ; Non e propria valor che me ne scampi : Ma la paura un poco s Che 7 sangue vago per le vene agghiaccia ; Risalda 7 cor, perche piu tempo awampi. O poggi, valUy ojiumiy o selve, o campi^ O testimon della mia grave vita, Quante volte m' ucliste chiamar morte ? A hi dolorosa sorte ! Lo star mi strugge, e 7 fuggir non rri aita. Ma ; se maggior paura Non ni affrenasse ; via corta, e spedita Trarrebbe a Jin quest' aspra pcna, e dura ; E la colpa e di tal che non ha cwa. 55 If not consumed quite, I the weak object of a flame so strong ; 'Tis not that safety springs from native might : But that some fear restrains, Which chills the current circling through my veins ; Strength' ning this heart, that it may suffer long. O hills, O vales, O forests, floods, and fields, Ye who have witness'd how my sad life flows, Oft have ye heard me call on death for aid. Ah, state surcharged with woes 1 To stay destroys, and flight no succour yields. But had not higher dread Withheld, some sudden effort I had made. To end my sorrows, and protracted pains, Of which the beauteous cause insensible remains. 56 Dolor, perche mi meni Fuor di cammiri a dir quel di i nan 'voglio Sostien cK to vada ove 'I placer mi spigne. Gia di voi non mi doglio, Occhi sopra '/ mortal cor so sereni, Ne di lui cJi a tal nodo mi distrigjie. Vedete hen, quanti color dipigne Amor solvent e in mezzo del mio *volto ; E potrete pensar, qual dentro fammi, La 've di e notte stammi Addosso col poder cJi ha in voi raccolto, Luci beate, e liete ; Se non che 7 veder voi stesse v e folio : Ma quant e "volte a me vi rivolgete, Conoscete in altrui quel che voi siete. 57 Why lead me, grief, astray From my first theme to chant a different lay ? Let me proceed where pleasure may invite. Tis not of you I plain, O eyes, beyond compare serenely bright; Nor yet of him, ^vho binds mc in his chain I Ye clearly can behold the hues that Love Scatters ofttime on my dejected face ; And fancy may his inward workings trace There where, whole nights and days, He rules with pow'r derived from your bright rays What rapture would ye prove, If you, dear lights, upon yourselves could gaze ! But, frequent as you bend your beams on me, What influence you possess you in anotlier see. 58 S* a voi fosse si nota La divina incredibile bdlezza Di ch* io ragiono, come a chi la mira ; Mlsurata allegrezza Non avria 7 cor : peroforse k remota Dal vigor natural che v' apre^ e gira. Felice V alma che per voi sospira, Lumi del del ; per li quali io ringrazio La vita, che per altro non irC e a grado. Oime ; perche si rado Mi date quel, dond' io mai non son sazio? Perche non piu sovente Mirate, quaV amor di me fa strazio ? E perche mi spogliate i?n?nantene7ite Del hen, cK ad or a ad or V anima sente? 59 O if to you were known That beauty which I sing, immense, divine. As unto him on whom its glories shine ! The heart had then o'erflown With joy unbounded, such as is denied Unto that nature which its acts doth guide. How happy is the soul for you that sighs. Celestial lights ; which lend a charm to life, And make me bless what else I should not prize 1 Ah why, so seldom why Afford what ne'er can cause satiety ? More often to your sight Why not bring Love, who holds me constant strife ? And why so soon of joys despoil me quite, Which ever and anon my tranced soul delight ? 60 Dico, ch* ad ora ad ora, Vostra mcrcede, i sento in mezzo I * alma Una dolcezza inusitata^ e nova ; La qual ' ogiii altra salma Di nojosi pensier disgomhra allora^ Si che di milk un sol ti si ritrona : Quel tanto a me, non piu, del viter giova . H se questo mio ben durasse alquanto, Nullo stato agguagliarsi al mio potrebbe : Ma forsc altrui farebbe Intidoy e me superbo I ' onor tanto : Perd, lasso, comiensi Che r estremo del riso assaglia ilpianto ; E ^nterrompendo quelli spirti acceyisi, A me ritorni, e di me stesso pensi. 61 Yes, debted to your grace, Frequent I feel throughout my inmost soul Unwonted floods of sweetest rapture roll ; Relieving so the mind, That all oppressive thoughts are left behind, And of a thousand only one has place ; For which alone this life is dear to me. O might the blessing of duration prove, Not equalfd then could my condition be ! But this would haply move In others envy, in myself vain pride. That pain should be allied To pleasure is, alas, decreed above ! Then, stifling all the ardour of desire, Homeward I turn my thoughts, and in myself retire. 62 L' amoroso pensiero, CK alberga dentro, in vol mi si discopre Talj che mi trae del cor^ ogni ultra gioja : Oride parole, ed opre Escon di me si fatte allor, cK i * spero Far mi immortal, per die la came moja. Fugge al tostro apparire angoscia, e noja ; E nel vostro partir tornano inseme : Ma perchh la memoria innamorata Chiude lor poi V entrata ; Di la non vanno dalle parti estreme : Ondc s alcun hcl frutto Nasce di me ; da voi vien piima il se7ne : lo per me son quasi un terrene asciutto Colto da voi, e 'I pregio ^ vostro in tut to. 63 So sweetly shines reveal'd The am'rous thought within your soul which dwells^ That other joys it from my heart expels : Hence I aspire to frame Lays whereon hope may build a deathless name, When in the tomb my dust shall lie conceal'd. At your approach anguish, and sorrow fly ; These as your beams retire again draw nigh : Yet outward acts their influence ne'er betray ; For doting memory Dwells on the past, and chases them away. Whatever then of worth My genius ripens owes to you its birth : To you all honour, and all praise is due ; Myself a barren soil, and cultur'd but by you. 64 Canzon, tu non m* acqueti, anzi rri infiammi A dir di quel cK a me stesso m' invola : Perd sia certa di non esser sola. 65 Thy strains, O song ! appease me not, but fire ; Chanting a theme that wings my wild desire : Trust me, thou shalt ere long a sister song acquire. 66 SONETTO XIII. 58. (otvANDO giunse a Sirnon V alto concetto CK a mio nome gli pose in man lo stile ; iS" avesse dato aU opera gentile Con la Jigura voce, ed intelletto ; Di sospir molti mi sgombrava il petto : Che cid cK altri han piu caro, a me fan vile . Perd che 'w vista ella si mostra umile, Promettendomi pace neW aspetto. Ma poi cK I vengo a ragionar co7i lei; Benignamente assai par che in^ ascolte ; Se risponder savesse a detti miei. Pigmalion, quanto lodar ti dei DelC nnmagine tua, se mille volte iV' avesti quel, cli i sot una vorrei! 67 SONNET Xlil. W HEN Simon at my vish the proud liesign Conceiv'd, which in his hand the pencil plac'd. Had he, while loveHness his picture grac*d, But added speech, and mind to charms divine ; What sighs he then had spar'd this breast of mine : That bhss had giv'n to higher bhss distaste : For, when such meekness in her look was trac'd, 'Twould seem she soon to kindness might inchne. But, urging converse with the portray'd fair, Methinks she deigns attention to my pray'r, Though wanting to reply the pow'r of voice. What praise thyself, Pygmalion, hast thou gain'd ; Forming that image, whence thou hast obtain'd A thousand times what, once obtain'd, would me rejoice t F 2 68 SONETTO XIV. 69. Erano i capei d' oro alV aura sparsi, Che *n milk dolci nodi gli wvvolgea ; E 7 vago lume oltra misura ardea Di quel begU occhi, cK or ne son si scar si ; E 7 "visa di pietosi color farsi, ^ Non so se vero, of also 77ii parea : /' che V esca amorosa al petto avea, Qual meraviglia^ se di subif arsi ? Non era 7 andar suo cosa mortak, Ma d' angelica forma ; e le parole Sonavan altro, che pur roce umana. Uno spirt celeste, un vivo sole Fu quel ch^ V vidi : e se non fosse or tale ; Piaga per allentar d' arco non sana. 69 SONNET XIV. xiER golden tresses on the wind she threw, Which twisted them in many a beauteous braid ; And in her fine eyes burning glances play'd, With lovely light, which now they seldom shew : Ah then it seem'd her face wore pity's hue. Yet haply fancy my fond sense betray' d ; Nor strange that I, in whose varm heart wns laid Love's fuel, suddenly enkindled grew ! Not like a mortal's did her step appear, Angelic was her form ; her voice, methought, Pour'd more than human accents on the ear, A living sun was what my vision caught, A spirit pure ; and though not such still found, Unbending of the bow ne er heals the wound. 70 SONETTO XV. 71. PiANGETE, donne, e con voi pianga Amove ; Fiangete^ amanti, per ciascun paese ; Poi che morto e colui che tutto intese In farvi, mentre visse al mondo, onore. lo per me pre go il mio acerbo dolor e, Non sian da lui le lagrime contese ; E mi sia di sospir tanto cortese, Quanto bisogna a disfogarc il core. Piangan le rime ancor, piangano i versi ; Per che 7 nostro amoroso Messer Cino Novellamente s' e da noi partito. Pianga Pistoja, e i cittadin perversi, Che perduf hanno si dolce vicino, E rallegrcs* il cielo, ov* ello h gito. 71 SONNET XV. Weep beauteous damsels, and let Cupid weep, Of ev*ry region weep ye lover train ; He, who so skilfully attun'd his strain To your fond cause, is sunk in death's cold sleep ! Such limits let not my affliction keep. As may the solace of soft tears restrain ; And, to relieve my bosom of its pain, Be all my sighs tumultuous, utter'd deep ! Let song itself, and votaries of verse, Breathe mournful accents o'er our Cino's bier, Who late is gone to number with the blest ! O weep, Pistoia, weep your sons perverse ; Its choicest habitant has fled our sphere. And heav'n may glory in its welcome guest ! 72 SONETTO XVL 81. Cesare, poi che 7 tr adit or d' Egitto Li fece il don delV onorata testa ^ Celando V allegrezza manifesta Piansc per gli occhi fuor, siccome e scritto Ed Annihdl, quand' alV imperio afflitto Vide farsi fortuna si molest a. Rise fra gente lagrimosa, e mesta, Per isfogare il suo acerho despitto : E cosi avvtn che f animo ciascima Sua passion sotto 7 contrario manto Ricopre con la vista or chiara, or bruua. Pero, 6'' alcuna volt a i' rido, oc anto ; Facciol, perch' i' non ho se non quest' una Via da celare il mio angoscioso pianto. 73 SONNET XVI. When Egypt's traitor Pompey's honoured head To Cesar sent ; then, records so relate, To shroud a gladness manifestly great. Some feigned tears the specious monarch shed : And, when misfortune her dark mantle spread O'er Hannibal, and his afflicted state, He laugh'd midst those who wept their adverse fate, That rank despite to wreak defeat had bred : Thus dotli the mind oft variously conceal Its sev'ral passions by a different veil ; Now with a countenance that's sad, now gay : So mirth, and song if sometimes I employ ; *Tis but to hide those sorrows that annoy, 'Tis but to chase my am'rous cares away. 74 SONETTO XVIL jDell empia Babi Ionia, ond' e fug git a Ogni vergogna, ond' ogni bene e fori ; Albergo di dolor, madre d' erroriy Son fuggif 10 per allungar la vita. Qui mi sto solo ; e, come Amor m* invita, Or rime^ e versi, or colgo erbette, e fiori, Seco parlando, ed a tempi migliori Sempre pensando ; e questo sol iii aita, Ne del vulgo mi cal, ne difortuna, Ne di me molto, ne di cosa vile ; Ne dentro sento, 7ie di fuor gran caldo : Sol due persone cheggio ; e vorrei V una Col cor ver me pacificato, e umile ; V altro col pie, si come mai fu, saldo. 75 SONNET XVII. Yes, out of impious Babylon I 'm flown, Whence flown all shame, whence banish'd is all good, That nurse of error, and of guilt th' abode, To lengthen out a life which else were gone : There as Love prompts, while wandering alone, I now a garland weave, and now an ode ; With him I commune, and in pensive mood Hope better times ; this only checks my moan. Nor for tlie throng, nor fortune do I care, Nor for myself, nor sublunary things ; No ardour outwardly, or inly springs : I ask two persons only ; let my fair For me a kind, and tender heart maintain; And be my friend secure in his high post again .' 76' SONETTO XVIIL 98. tiuEL "vago hnpallidir, die 7 dolce riso D* un amorosa nebbia ricoperse, Con tanta maestade al cor s offerse, Che li si feet incontr* a mezzo 7 viso. Conobhi allor, siccome in paradiso Vede r im /' ahro ; in tal guisa s aperse Quel pietoso pensier cW aliri non scerse : Ma tidil' io, eh' altrove non m' qffiso. Ogni angelica vhsta, ogni atto umile, Che giammai in donna ov* amor fosse, apparve,. Fora uno sdegtio a lato a quel clC i dico. Chinava a terra il bel guardo gentile ; E tacendo dicea, com'' a me parre, Chi 7w' allontana il mio fedele amico ? 77 SONNET XVIU. 1 HE pallid tint of loveliness, which threw A tender cloud upon her smiling face, Came to my heart with such an awful grace, That in my looks that heart to meet it flew. Then how in paradise the blessed view Each other I perceiv'd ; e'en so took place The gentle sentiment none else could trace, Save me, whose gaze no other object knew. The most angelic look that face could wear, The mildest manners female love could show, Compar'd with what I sing might scorn appear ; To earth she calmly bent her decent brow; And silently she said, or seem'd to say, ' Who bears far hence mv faithful friend away-'' 78 CANZONE VL 26. Se 7 pensier che mi strugge, Colli e pungent Cy e soldo, Cost nestisse d' un color conforme .: Forse tal ni arde, e fugge^ CK avria parte del caldo ; E desteriasi Amor la dov or dorme: Men solitarie V orme For an de' miei pie lassi Per campagne, e per colli : Men gli occhi ad ogni or molli ; Ardendo lei che come un ghiaccio stassi ; E non lassa in me dramma, Che non sia foco, e fiamma. 79 ODE VI. O THAT my cheeks were taught By the fond, wasting thought To wear such hues as could its influence speak ; Then the dear, scornful fair Might all my ardour share ; And where Love slumbers now he might awake ! Less oft the hill, and mead My wearied feet should tread ; Less oft perhaps these eyes with tears should stream ; If she, who cold as snow. With equal fire would glow j She who dissolves me, and converts to flame. 80 Perd cK Amor mi sforza, E di saver mi spoglia ; Parlo in rim' aspre, e di dolcezza ignude : Ma non sempre alia scorza Ramo, nh 'n Jior, ne 'n foglia Mostra di fuor sua natural virtude. Miri cid eke 7 cor chiude, Amor, e que* begli occhi Ove si siede alV omhra. Se 7 dolor che si sgomhra, Awen che *n pianto, o 'n lamentar traboccki ; Z' un* a me noce, e V altro Atrui ; cli to non lo scaltro^ 81 Since Love exerts his sway, And bears my sense away, I chant uncouth, and inharmonious songs : Nor leaves, nor blossoms show, Nor rind, upon the bough, What is the nature which thereto belongs. Love, and those beauteous eyes, Beneath whose shade he lies, Discover all the heart can comprehend : When vented are my cares In loud complaints, and tears ; These harm myself, and others those offend. 82 Dolci rime leggiadre / Che nel primiero assalto jy Amor'' usai, quand' io noh ebbi aUr* arme; Chi verra mai, che squadre Questo mio cor di smalto ; CK almen, com^ io solea possa sfogarme ? Ch^ aver dentr' a lui parme Un, che Madoyma sempre Dipinge, e di lei parla : A voter poi ritrarla, Per me non basto ; e par cK io me ne stempre . Lasso, cosi m* e scorso Lo mio dolce soccorso. 83 Sweet lays of sportive vein, Which help'd me to sustain Love's first assault, the only arms *I bore ; This flinty breast say who Shall once agdin subdue, That I with song may sooth me as before ? Some pow'r appears to trace Within me Laura's face, Whispers her name ; and strait in verse I strive To picture her again, But the fond effort's vain : Me of my solace thus doth fate deprive. G 2 84 Come fanciul, ch* appena Volge la lingua, e snoda ; Che dir non sa, ma *lpiu tacer gli h noja ; Cost 7 desir mi mena A dire : e m che rn oda La mia dolce nemica anzi cK io moja. Se forze ogni sua gioja Nel suo bel niso e solo, E di tutf altro e schiva ; Odi 7 tu "verde riva ; E presta a* miei sospir si largo "volo, Che sempre si ridica Come tu w' eri arnica. 85 E'en as some babe unties Its tongue in stammering guise, Who cannot speak, yet will not silence keep So fond words I essay ; And listen'd be the lay By my fair foe, ere in the tomb I sleep ! But if, of beauty vain. She treats me with disdain ; Do thou, O verdant shore, attend my sighs : Let them so freely flow, That all the world may know, My sorrow thou at least didst not despise ! 86 Ben sai, che si bel piede Non toccd terra unquancoy CoTne qiielj di che gia segnata fosti : Onde 7 cor lasso riede Col tormentoso Jianco A partir teco i lor pensier nascosti, Cosl avestu riposti De bei vestigi sparsi Ancor trcL jiori, e V erha : Che la mia 'vila acerba Lagrimando trorjosse ove acquetarsi. Ma come pud s^ appaga I! alma dubbiosa, e xjaga. 87 And well art thou aware, That never foot so fair The soil e'er prest as that which trod tliee late : My sunk soul, and worn heart Now seek thee, to impart The secret griefs that on my passion wait. If on thy margent green, Or midst thy flow'rs, were seen Some traces of her footsteps ling'ring there ; My wearied life 'twould cheer, Bitter'd with many a tear : Ah, now what means are left to sooth my care ? 88 Ovunque gli occki wlgo, Trovo un dolce sereno^ Pemando ; qui percosse il *cago lume, Qualunque erha^ ojior colgOy Credo che nel terreno Aggia radice, ov* ella ebbe in costume Girfra le piagge, e 7 Jiume, E talorfarsi un seggio Fresco, JioritOy e verde : Cosl nulla sen* perde ; E pill certezza avernefora ilpeggio. Spirto beatOy quale Se\ quando altruifai tale ? 89 Where'er I bend mine eye, What sweet serenity I feel, to think here Laura shone of yore. Each plant, and scented bloom I gather, seems to come From where she wander'd on the customM shore Oftimes in this retreat A fresh, and fragrant seat She found ; at least so fancy's vision shows : And never let truth seek Th' illusion dear to break O spirit blest, from whom such magick flows ! 90 O poverella mia, come se* rozza . Credo che tel conoschi : Rimanti in questi boschi. 91 To thee, my simple song, No polish doth belong ; Thyself art conscious of thy little worth : Solicit not renown Throughout the busy town, But dwell within the shade that gave thee birth. m SONETTO XIX. 103. Amor m* ha posto come segno a straky Coni al sol 7ieve, come cera alfoco, E come nebhia al vento ; e son gia roco. Donna, merce chiamando ; e voi non cale. Dagli occhi vostri uscio 7 colpo mortahy Contra cui non mi val tempo, ne loco : Da voi sola procede (e parvi un gioco) II sole, e 'l foco, e 7 xieyito, ond* io son tale, I pensier son saette, e 7 tiso un sole ; E 7 desir foco ; e *nsieme con quest' arme Mi punge Amor, ni ahbaglia, e mi distrugge E r angelico canto, e le parole, Col dolce spirto, ond' io non posso aitarme, Son V aura innanzi a cui mia "vitafugge. 93 SONNET XIX. Love makes me as the target for his dart, As snow in sunshine, or as wax in flame. Or gale-driv'n cloud ; and, Laura, on thy name I call, but thou no pity wilt impart. Thy radiant eyes first caus'd my bosom's smart ; No time, no place can shield me from their beam ; From thee (but, ah, thou treat'st it as a dream !) Proceed the torments of my suff'ring heart. Each thought's an arrow, and thy face a sun, My passion's flame : and these doth Love employ To wound my breast, to dazzle, and destroy. Thy heav'nly song, thy speech with which I'm won. All thy sweet breathings of such strong controul, Form the dear gale that bears away my soul. 94 SONETTO XX. 104. Pjce non trovoy e non ho da far guerra; E temo^ e spero, ed ardo, e son un ghiaccio; E mlo sopra 7 cielo, e giaccio in terra : E nulla stringo, e tutto 7 mondo abbraccio. Tal TVL ha in prigion, che non wH apre, ne serra ; Ne per suo mi riten, ne scioglie il laccio ; E non m ancide Amor, e non mi sferra ; Nb mi vuol "vivo, ne mi trae d impaccio. Veggio sen.z' occhi ; e non ho lingua, e grido ; E hramo di perir, e cheggio ait a ; Ed ho in odio me stesso, ed amo altrui : Pascomi di dolor; piangendo rido ; Egualmente mi spiace mortc, e vita. In questo stato son, donna, per vui. 95 SONNET XX. Warfare I cannot wage, yet know not peace; I fear, I hope, I burn, I freeze again ; Mount to the skies, then bow to earth my face ; Grasp the whole world, yet nothing I obtain. His pris'ner Love nor frees, nor will detain ; In toils he holds me not, nor will release ; He slays me not, nor 3'ct will he unchain ; Nor joy allows, nor lets my sorrow cease. Sightless I see my fair ; though mute, I mourn ; I scorn existence, and yet court its stay ; Detest myself, and for another burn ; By grief I'm nurtur'd ; and, though tearful, gay ; Death I despise, and life alike I hate : Such, lady, dost thou make my wayward state ! 96- SONETTO XXL 105. FiAMMA dal del su le tue treccie piova, Malvagia ; che dal fiume^ e dalle ghiande Per /' altru* impoverir se' ricca, e grande ; Pqi che di maV oprar tanto ti giona : Nido di tradimenti ; in cui si cova Quant mal per lo mondo oggi si spatide : Di 'vi?i serva, di leHi, e di vivande ; In cui lussuriafa V ultima prava. Per le earner e tue fanciulk, e vecchi Vanno trescando, e Belzebub in mezzo Co* mantici, e colfocco, e con gli speccki. Gia nonfostu nudrita in piume al rezzo ; Ma nuda al vento, e scalzafra li stecchi : Or vivi SI, cK a Dio 7ie venga il lezzo. 97 SONNET XXI. May fire from heav'n rain down upon thy liead. Thou most accurst ; who simple fare casts by, Made rich and great by others* poverty ; How dost thou glory in thy vile misdeed ! Nest of all treachery, in m hich is bred Whate'er of sin now through the world doth fly ; Of wine the slave, of sloth, of gluttony ; With sensuality's excesses fed ! Old men, and harlots through thy chambers dance ; Then in the midst see Belzebub advance \Mth mirrors, and provocatives obscene. Erewhile thou wert not sheltered, nurs'd on down ; Dut naked, barefoot on the straw wert thrown; Now rank to Heav'n ascends thy hfe unclean. u 98 CANZONE VIL 33. Di tempo in tempo mi si fa men dura L angelica Jigura^ e 7 dolce riso ; E V aria del bel visa, E degli occhi leggiadri ineno oscura. Che f anno meco omai questi sospiri, Che nascean di dolof^e, E mostravan di fore La mia angosciosa, e disperata vita ? S' awefi che 7 volto in quella parte giri, Per acquetar il core ; Parmi veder Amore Mantener mia ragion\ e darmi aita : Nh perd trovo ancor guerra Jinita^ Ne tranquillo ogni stato del cor mio : Che piu m' arde 7 desio, Quanto piu la speranza ni assicura. 99 ODE VII. From time to time less cruelty I trace In her sweet smile, and form divinely fair ; Less clouded doth appear The heav'n of her fine eyes, and lovely face. What then at last avail to me those sighs, Which from my sorrows flow, And in my semblance show The life of anguish, and despair I lead ? If towards her perchance I bend mine eyes, Some solace to bestow Upon my bosom's woe ; Methinks Love takes my part, and lends me aid : Yet still I cannot find the conflict stay'd, Nor tranquil is my heart in evVy state : For, ah, my passion's heat -More strongly glows within, as my fond hop^s increase! H '2 100 SONETTO XXII. 118. JVoN d* atra, e tempestosa onda marina Fuggio in, porta giammai stanco nocchiei^o ; ConH io dal fosco, e torhido pensiero Fuggo, ove 7 gran desio mi sprona, e 'nchina . Ne mortal vista mai luce divina Vinse ; come la mia quel raggio altero Del bel dolce soave bianco, e nero. In che i suoi strali Amor dora, ed affina. Cieco non gia, ma faretrato il txggo ; Nudo, se non quanto vergogna il vela ; Garzofi con V all, non pinto, ma vivo. Indi mi mostra quel cK a molti cela: CK a parte a parte entr^ vecchio i bianchi vellL Cost mi sveglio a salutar V aurora, E 7 sol, cli e seco, e piit /' altro, and' io fui Ne* prim* anni abbaggliato, e sono ancora, /' gli ho t'eduti alcun giorno ambedui Levai^si insieme ; e 'w un punto, e 'n un ora. Quel far le stelle, e quest a sparir lui. 131 SONNET XXXVII. J. HE birds' sweet wail, their renovated song, At break of morn, make all the vales resound ; With lapse of crystal waters pouring round, In clear swift runnels, tlie fresh shores among. She, whose pure passion knows nor guile nor wrong, With front of snow, with golden tresses crown'd, Combing her aged husband's hoar locks found, DO ' Wakes me when sportful wakes the warbling throng* Thus, rous'd from sleep, I greet the dawning day, And its succeeding sun, with one more bright, Still dazzling, as in early youth, my sight : Botli suns I've seen at once uplift their ray; This drives the radiance of the stars away. But that whicii gilds my life eclipses e'en his light. K 2 1325 SONETTO XXXVIIL 184. (Jnde tolse Jmor V oro^ e di qual mna, Per far due treccie bionde ? e 'w quali spine Coke le rose ? e 'n qual piaggia le brine Tenere, e fresche ; e die lor polso, e lena ? Onde le perk, in cU ei f range, ed affrena Dolci parole, oneste, e pellegrine ? Onde tante bellezze, e si divine Di quellafronte piu che 7 ciel sere7ia ? Da quali angeli mosse, e di qual spera Quel celeste cantar cite mi disface St, che iri avanza omai da disfar poco ? Di qual sol nacque V alma luce altera Di que begli occhi, ond' V ho guerra, c pace; Che mi cuocono 7 cor in ghiaccio, e 'nfoco ? 133 SONNET XXXVIII. A Wpience could Love take the gold, and from what vein, To form those bright twin locks? What thorn could grow Those roses ? And what mead that white bestow Of the fresh dews, which pulse and breath obtain ? Wlience came those pearls that modestly restrain Accents which courteous, sweet, and rare can flow ? And whence those charms, that so divinely show, Spread oer a face serene as heav'n's blue plain ? Taught by what angel, or what tuneful sphere, Was that celestial song, which doth dispense Sucli potent magick to the ravishM ear ? What sun illum'd those bright commanding eyes, Which now look peaceful, now in hostile guise ; Xow torture me with liope, and now with fear ? 134 SONET TO XXXIX. 187. QtuANDO 7 sol hagna in mar V aurato carro ; E r aer nostro^ e la mia merit e imbruna ; Col citlo, e con le stelle, e con la luna Un^ angosciosa, e dura notte innarro : Pot, lasso, a tal che non m ascolta^ narro Jiitte le miefatiche ad una ad una ; E col mondo, e co?2 mia ciccafortuna, Con amor^ con madonna, e meco garro. II sonno e *n bando, e del riposo e nulla ; Ma sospiri, e lamenti injln all" alba, E la grime, che I* alma a gli occki invia. Vien poi /' aurora, e /' aura fosca inalba : Me nd ; ma 7 sol che 7 cor rri arde, e trastulla. Quel pud solo addolcir la doglia mia. 135 SONNET XXXIX. When sinks in ocean the sun's golden wain, And my mind darkens, and th' expanse of air ; Soon beam in heav'n the moon, and each bright star, My nightly earnest of approaching pain : I then recount, ah wretched me ! in vain To the unpitying deaf each amVous care ; Of love, of wayward fortune, of my fair, Of the whole world, and of myself I plain. I know not rest ; my couch soft slumber flies : I wail, I sigh, and till the dawn shed tears Forc'd from my sad soul through my streaming eyes. Then the dun sky morn gilds with cheerful light. But glads not me. 'Tis but one sun that cheers My life, and renders all its prospects bright. 136 SONETTO XL. 188. S UNA fede amorosa, un cor nonjinto, Un languir dolce, un desiar cortese ; S' oneste voglie in gentilfoco accese ; S' un lungo error in cieco laberinfo ; Se nellafronte ogni pensier dipinto, Od in voci interrotte appena intese. Or da paura, or da "vergogna offese ; S* un pallor di x)iola, e d' amor tinto ; S' aver altrui piii caro, che se stesso; Se lagrimar, e sospirar mai semprc ; Pascendosi di duol, d* ira, e d* affanno ; aS" arder da lunge, ed agghiacciar da presso, Sofi le cagion cli' amando i' mi distempre ; Vostro, dojina, 'Ipeccato, e mio jla H danno. 137 SONNET XL. If faith impassion'd, and a heart sincere ; If tender langiishment, and chaste desire; Wishing what only modest hopes require ; And wand'ring long through passion's maze with fear ; If on the brow each thought be pictured clear ; If words half-utter'd from the tongue retire, As apprehension, or as shame inspire ; If on the cheek the violet's hue to wear; If dearer tiian orK^self anotner prove ; If couoiaiuly to wcej;, as much to sigh, Nursing the pangs, the griefs, the wrath of love ; To burn wlien distant, and to freeze when nigh ; If such fond causes doom me to despair, Though ucaiii be liiine, thine is the guilt, my fair ! 138 SONETTO XLt 191. yiuRA^ eke quelle chiome Monde, e crespe Circondi, e movi, e se moss a da loro Soavemente, e spargi quel dolce oro, E poi 7 raccogli, e *n bei nodi 7 rincrespe i Tu stai negli occhi ond^ amorose xespe Mi pungon s), che 'n fin qua il sento, e plorOj E vacillando cerco il mio tesoro. Corn" animal che spesso adombre, e 'ncespe : Ch' or mcl par ritrovar; ed or ni accorgo, CK i ' we son lunge: or mi sollero ; or caggio ; CK or quel cJi f bramo, or quel cli t t'ero, scorgo. Aerfelice, col bel xivo raggio Rimanti : e tu corrente, e chiaro gorgOj Che non poss io cangiar teco xiaggio ? 139 SONNET XLI. 1 Hou gale, that movest, and disportest round Those bright crisp'd locks, by them mov'd sweetly too, That all then- fine gold scatter'st to the view, Then coil'st them up in beauteous braids fresh wound ; About those eyes thou playest, where abound The am'rous swarms, whose stings my tears renew; And I my treasure trembhngly pursue, Like some scar'd thing that stumbles o'er the gi'ound. Alethinks I find her now, and now perceive She's distant ; now I soar, and now descend ; Now what I wish, now what is true believe. Stay and enjoy, blest air, the living beam ; And thou, O rapid, and translucent stream. Why can't I change my course, and thine attend? 140 CANZONE VIIL j\fON ha tantl animali il marfra V onde ; Ne lassu sopra 7 cerchio della luna Vide mat tante stelle alcuna jiotte ; Ne tanti augelli alhergan per Li boschi; Ne tant' erhe ebhe mai campo, ne piaggia ; Quanf ha 7 7)iio cor pensier ciascuna sera. Di d\ in di spero omai l* ultima sera, Che scevri in me dal vivo terren /' onde, E ?ni lasci dormir in qualche piaggia: Che tanti affanni uom mai sotto la luna Non sofferse, quanf io : sannolsi i boschi, Che sol vo ricercando giorno, e notte. 141 ODE VIII. Count the ocean's finny droves; Count the twinkhng host of stars, Round the night's pale orb that moves ; Count the groves' wing'd choristers ; Count each verdant blade that grows ; Counted then will be my woes. When shall these eyes cease to weep ; When shall this world-wearied frame, Cover d by the cold sod, sleep? Sure, beneath yon planet's beam, None like me have made such moan ; This to evry bow'r is known. 142 /' non ebhi giammai tranquilla notte : Ma sospirando andai mattino, e sera ; Poi ell amorjtmml un eittadin de^ boschi. Benjia in prima, cJi i' posi, il mar senz onde; E la sua luce avra 7 sol dalla luna ; E ijior d* april morranno in ogni piaggia. Consumando mi *vo di piaggia in piaggia II di pensoso ; poi piango la notte ; Nh stato ho jnai, se non quanto la luna. Rat to, come imbriinir veggio la serra, Sospir del pettOi e degli occlii escon' onde, Da bagnar /' erbe^ e du crollare i boschi. 143 Sad my nights ; from morn till eve, Tenanting the woods, I sigh : But, ere I shall cease to grieve, Ocean's vast bed shall be dry. Suns their light from moons shall gain, And spring wither on each plain. Pensive, weeping, night and day. From this shore to that I fly, Changeful as the lunar ray ; And, when ev'ning veils the sky, Then my tears might swell the floods, Then my sighs might bow the woods ! 144 Le citta son nemiche, amici i boschi A' miei pensier, die per quesf alta piaggia Sfogando 'vo col mormorar delV onde Per lo dolce silenzio della 7iotte, Talj ch* io aspetto tut to H di la sera, Che 7 sol si part a y e dia luogo alia luna. Deh, or Joss' io col Vago della lima Addormentato in qualche verdi boschi ; E questa cK anzi vespro a me fa sera, Co7i essa, e con Amor' iyi quella piaggia Sola venisse a stars' ivi una notte ; E 'I d\ si stesse, e 7 sol sempre neW onde. 145 Towns I hate, the shades I love ; For relief to yon green height, Where the rill resounds, I rove At the grateful calm of night; There I wait the day's decline, For the welcome moon to shine. O, that in some lone retreat. Like Endymion I were lain ; And that she, who rules my fate. There one night to stay would deign ; Never from his billowy bed More might Phoebus lift his head ! 146 SoDra dure onde al lume della Luna, Canzon^ nata di notte in mezzo i boschi, Ricca piaggia "vedrai diman da sera. 147 Song, that on the Mood-lning stream In the silent hour wert born, AVitness'd but by Cynthia's beam, Soon as breaks to-morrow's morn, Thou shalt seek a glorious plain, There with Laura to remain ! L vista sente. Quesf e del viver mio V una colonna : L*altra e 7 suo chiaro nome, Che sona nel mio cor si dolcemente. Ma tornandomi a mente, Che pur morta e la mia speranza viva Allor, cK ellajioriva ; Sa ben Amor, quaV io divento ; e spei^o Vedal colei, ch* h or si presso al vero. 163 More bright than ever, and a lovelier fair, Before me she appears, Where most she's conscious that her sight 'vvill please. This is one pillar that sustains my life ; The other her dear name, That to my heart sounds so delightfully. But tracing in my mind, That she vv^ho form'd my choicest hope is dead E'en in her blossom'd prime ; Thou knowest, Love, full well what I become : She I trust sees it too, who dwells with truth. ivr ^i 164 Donne, mi che miraste sua belt at Cy E V angelica vita, Con quel celeste portamento in terra ; Di me ti dogUa, e vincavi pietate, Nbn di lei, cli e salita A tanta pace, e me ha lasciato in guerra ; Tal, che s' altri mi serra Lungo tempo il cammin da seguitarla ; Quel cli Amor meco par la, Sol mi riten ch' io nan recida il nodo: Ma e raiAona dentro in cotal modo : 165 Ye sweet associates, who admir'd her charms, Her life angelical, And her demeanour heavenly upon earth ; For me lament, and be by pity wrought. No wise for her, who, ris'n To so much peace, me has in warfare left ; Such, that should any shut The road to follow her, for some length of time What Love declares to me Alone would check my cutting through the tie : But in this guise he reasons from within. 166 " Ponfreno al gran dolor che ti trasporta; " Che per soverchie "cogUe " Si perde 7 cielo, ove 7 tuo core aspira; " Dov* e viva colei, ch' altrui par morta; " E di sue belle spoglie " Seco s or ride ; e sol di te sospira ; " F, suafama^ che spira " In molt e parti an cor per la. tua lingua, (c pj'Qgd q]iq jiofi estingua ; " Anzi la voce al suo nome rischiari ; " Se gli ocelli suoi ti fur dolci, lie caji.'' 167 " The mighty grief transporting thee restrain ; " For passions uncontroul'd " Forfeit that heav'n, to which thy soul aspires, " Where she is living whom some fancy dead ; " While at her fair remains " She smiles herself, sighing for thee alone; " And that her fame, which lives *' In many a clime hymn'd by thy tongue, may ne'er " Become extinct, she prays j " But that her name should harmonize thy voice ; " If e'er her eyes were lovely held, and dear." 168 Fuggi 7 sereno, e 7 verde ; Non f appressar o'ce sia riso, o canto, Canzon 7nia nd, ma plant o : Non /a per te di starfra gente allegra, Vedova sconsolata in ^esta negra. 169 Fly the calm, green retreat; And ne'er approach where song, and laughter dwell, O strain ; but wail be thine ! It suits thee ill with the glad throng to stay. Thou sorrowing widow wrapt in garb of woe. 170 SONETTO XLV. 229. JtioTTA e V alt a Colonna, e 7 verde Lauro, Chefaceari omhra al mio stanco pensero : Perdut* ho quel che ritrovar non spero Dal Borea aW Austro, dal 7nar^ Indo al Mauro. Tolto m hai, moj^e, il mio doppio tesauro, Che mifea 'viver lieto, e gire altero ; E ristoj^ar nol pud terra^ ne impero^ JVe gemma oriental, neforza d' auro. Ma se consentimento e di dcstino ; Che pGss' io piu, se no aver V alma trista, Umidi gli ocehi sempre, e 7 viso chino ; O nostra fit a, cK e si hella in vista ; Com per dc agexolmcnte in un ynattino Quel, che 'n molC anni a gran pena s' acquista! 171 SONNET XLV. Fah'n that proud Column, falln that Laurel tree, Whose shelter once relieved my wearied mind ; I 'm reft of what I ne'er again shall find, Though ransack'd every shore, and evVy sea : Double the treasure death has torn from me. In whlcli life's pride was with its pleasure join'd ; Not eastern gems, nor the world's wealth combin'd, Can give it back, nor land, nor royalty. But, if so fate decrees, what can I more. Than A\'ith unceasing tears these eyes bedew, Abase my visage, and my lot deplore ? Ah, what is life so lovely to the view ! How quickly in one little morn is lost What years have won with labour, and with cost. 172 SONETTO XLVL 230. 1j ^rdente nodo, ov' iofui (T ora in ora Contando anni xentuno inter'i preso, Morte discwise : ne giammai tal peso Provai : ne credo ch' uom di dolor mora. Non X)olendomi Amor perder ancora, Elbe un altro lacciuol fra V erha tesoj E di nov' esca un cdtrofoco acceso, Tal, cJi a gran pena indi scamp at o for a : E se non fosse espericnza molta De primi affanni, V sarei preso, ed ar^soy Tanto piu, qucmto son men verde leg7io : Morte m' ha liber at o lui ultra *colta, E rot to 7 nodo ; e H foco ha spent o, e sparse, Contra la qual non valforza, nh 'ngegno. 173 SONNET XLVI. That burning toil, in which I once was caught, While twice ten years and one I counted o'er. Death has unloos'd : like burden I ne'er bore : That grief ne'er fatal proves I now am taught. But Love, who to entangle me still sought, Spread in the treach'rous grass his net once more. So fed the fire with fuel as before, That my escape I hardly could have wrought. And, but that my first woes experience gave, Snared long since, and kindled I had been, And all the more, as I'm become less g-reen : jMy freedom death again has come to save. And break my bond ; that flame now fades, and fail?, 'Gainst which nor force, nor intellect prevails. 174 SONETTO XLVIL 231. La mfajugge, e non s' arrest a urC or a; E la morte tien dietro a gran giornate ; E le cose presenti, e le passate Mi danno guerra, e le future ancora ; E 7 rimembrar, e V aspettar m aecora Or qu'mci, or qu'mdi s}, eke ^n ^eritate^ Se non cK i* ho di me stesso pietate, P sarei gia di questi pensier fora. Tornami avanti, s' alcun dolce mai Ebbe 7 cor tristo ; e poi daW altra parte Veor^io al mio navi^ar turbati i ve?iti : Veggiofortuna in porto ; e stanco omai II mio nocchief ; e rotte arbore, e sartc ; E i lumi bci, che mirar soglio, spenti. 175 SONNET XLVII. LiiFE flies apace, and tarries not an hour ; While death behind with huge stride journeys on Events now present, with those past and gone. And all the future too, my life doth sour. Remembrance, and expectancy so low'r B}'^ turns upon my mind ; in truth I own, From such reflections I perforce had flown, But that self-pity doth my will o'erpow'r. If aught of joy this sadden'd heart e'er knew, It starts on fancy : but beside yon coast By boisterous winds I see my vessel tost. Good-fortune's wish'd-for port is now in view ; IVIy pilot's wearied ; rent my mast, and sail ; And those fair lights, that guided once, now fail. 176 SONETTO XLVIIL 238. OE lamentar augelli, o "verdifronde Mover soavernente aW aura estiva j O roco mormorar d'l lucid" onde S" ode d' unajiorita, efresca inva ; La V io seggia d' amor pensoso, e scriva ; Lei che 7 ciel ne mo7istrd, terra n asconde, Veo-crio, cd odo, ed intendo : ch'' ancor viva Di si lotitano a' sospir mici risponde. " Dehperchh innanzi tempo ti consume?'" Mi dice con pietatc : " A che pur versi, " Degli occhi tristi un dolorosojiume ? " Di me non pianger tu, che miei d\fersi, " Morendo, eterni ; e nelV eterno lume, *' Quando mostrai di chiuder gli occhi, apersi.'^ 177 SONNET XLVIII. If in sweet accent moans the plaintive bird. Or green groves whisper soft in summer air, Or from the fresh and flow'ry shore is heard Down the rock's side the fall of waters fair, There where I sit, enditing midst fond care ; Then she, whom heav'n just shew'd us, now interr'd, Whom my fond senses living yet declare. Answers from skies above each sigh preferr'd. " Ah why to waste thy life untimely seek ?" M'ith pity she exclaims : " And wherefore flows " That flood of sorrow down thy faded cheek ? *' Weep not for me ; death made for ever bright " My days ; and, when these eyes appeared to close, " Then were they open'd in eternal light." N 178 SONETTO XLIX, 240. QuANTE Jiate al rriio dolce ricetto Fiiggendo altrui, e, s esser pud, me stesso^ Vo con gli occhi bagnando f erba, e ' I petto ; Rompendo cd sospir V acre da presso : Quant e Jiate sol pien di sospetto Per luoghi ombrosi, e foschi mi son messo, Cercando col pensier I ' alto diletto, Che morte ha tolto ; ond* io la chiamo spesso . Or in forma di Jiinfo, o d' altra diva, Che del pill chiaro fondo di Sorga esca, E pongasi a seder i?i su la ?iva ; Or r ho xeduta super V erba fresca Calcar i fior, com' una donna viva. Most r undo in vista, che di me le 'ncresca. 179 SONNET XLIX, Mow often to my sweet retreat I haste, To fly mankind, nay e*en myself to fly, Bathing with tears the green turf and my breast, Rending the ambient air with many a sigh : How often, dreading aught that may molest, I've roam'd to glooms and shades of privacy, Seeking the fair to fancy's view confest, Snatch'd hence by death, death to whom oft I cry ! Now like a naiad, or some form divine, From the translucent depth of Sorga sprung, And on its margin joying to recline, Have I beheld her; now, fresh meads among Treading the flowrets, like a moratl shine ; While on her bard a chiding glance she flung. N 2 180 SONETTO L. 244. Ne mai pietosa madre al carojiglio, Ne donna accesa al suo sposo diletto Die con tanti sospir, con tal sospetto In diihbio stato si fedel consigUo ; Come a me qiiella, che 7 mio grave esiglio Mb^ando dal suo eterno alto ricetto^ Spesso a me torna coji V usato affetto, E di doppia pietate ornata il cigUo, Or di inadre, or cF amanie : or teme^ or arde Z)' onestofoco ; e nel parlar mi most r a Quely che 'n questo viaggiojugga, o segua, Contando i casi de la vita nostra ; Fregando, cK al Icvar V alma non tardc: E sol quant' tlla parUiy ho pace, o tregua. 181 SONNET L. Ne'er did fond mother to her darling son, Or zealous spouse to her beloved mate Sage counsel give, in perilous estate. With such kind caution, in such tender tone, As gives that fair-one, who, oft looking down On my hard exile from her heav'nly seat. With wonted kindness bends upon my fate Her brow, as friend or parent would have done : Now chaste affection prompts her speech, now fear. Instructive speech, that points what sev'ral ways To seek, or shun, while journeying here below; Then all the ills of life she counts, and prays iVIy soul ere long may quit this terrene sphere : And by her words alone I'm sooth'd, and freed from woe. 182 SONETTO LI. 250. QuAND* 10 veggio dal del scender I ' Aurora Con la front e di rose^ e co* crin d' oro ; Amor m' assale: ond' io mi discolor o ; E dico sospirando : " Iti e Laura era." OJelice Tit on y tu sal ben f or a Da ricox;rare il tuo caro tesora : Ma io che debhofar del dolce alloro ? Che se 7 vd* riveder, cotiven cK io mora. I vostri dipartir nan soji si duri ; CK almen di notte suol tornar colei, Che non ha schifo le tue bianche chiome : Le mie notti fa triste, e i giorni oscuri Qiiella, che ri ha 'port at o i pensicr miei; Ne di se m* ha lasciato altro che 7 7iome. 183 SONNET LI. When from the heav'ns I see Aurora beam, With rosy tinctur'd cheek, and golden hair; Love bids my face the hue of sadness wear : " There Laura dwells !" I with a sigh exclaim. Thou knowest well the hour that shall redeem, Happy Tithonus, thy much valued fair ; But not to her I love can I repair, Till death extinguishes this vital flame. Yet need'st thou not thy separation mourn ; Certain at evenins's close is the return Of her, who doth not thy hoar locks despise : But my nights sad, my days are render d drear, By her, who bore my thoughts to yonder skies. And only a remember'd name left here. 184 SONETTO LIL 251. (jrzi occhi di cK io parlai si caldamente ; E le braccia, e le mani, e i piedi, e 7 viso, Che ni' a'vean si da mc stesso divisOy Efatto singular dalV altra gente ; ff ''Lc crespe chio?nc d* or puro lucente, E 7 lampeggiar deW angelico riso, Che soleanfar in terra un paradiso ; Poca polvere son, che nulla sente : Ed io pur vivo : onde mi doglio, e sdegno ; Rimaso senza 7 lume^ cK amai tanto^ In granfortunuy e 'n disarmato Icgno. Or sia qui fine al mio amoroso canto : Secca e la rena deK usato ingegno, E la cetera 7)iia rixolta in pianto. 185 SONNET LII. 1 HOSE eyes, of which my song so warmly told ; Those arms, those hands, those i'eet, that face so fair. Which mine own nature from myself iid tear, And made me seem as of peculicU- mould ; Those crisped locks of pure, refulgent gukl ; The glow that anirel smile was \\oiit to wear. Which made our eartli a p.'.radise a[)pear; Are turn'd to dust insensible, and cold : Still life, O grief! O shaiiie I in me pievails; Thoigii a.aim'd those oibs which did such joy bestow, Ercvvhilc life's hark wa? sprd by prosjfrous gales. Ah now no more my anj'rous strain siiall flow ; The custom d soiu'ce oi tuneful genius iails, And my lyre utters only sounds of woe ! 186 SONETTO LIII. 258. Of e lajronte, che con picciol cenno Volgea 7 mio core in questa parte^ en quella ? Ot;' e 7 bel cig/io, e V una, e V altra stella, CK al corso del mio river lame denno ? Ov e 7 valor, la conoscenza e 7 senno, U accorta, onesta, lanil, dolce favella? Ove son le bellezze accolte in ella, Che gran tempo di me lor voglia jenno ? Ov' e Vombra gcntil del viso umano ; CK 6ra, e riposo dava alV alma stanca^ E Id \'e i miei pensier scritti eran tutti ? Ov^ e cole'f che mia vita ebbe in mano ? Quanto al misero f?iondo ; e quanto manca A gli occhi ??iici, che mai nan fieno ascuitti. 187 SONNET LIII. Where is that countenance, whose slightest sign Could turn my easy heart now here, now there ? Where those fine brows? Their orbs of radiance where, That on my being did so kindly shine ? Where now is m orth, which sense and knowledge join ; That tender accent, modest, courteous, clear? Where those united graces which endear, And which long time to rule me did combine ? Where now the tempered scorn on beauty's face, Which o'er my soul has cast a grateful gloom. When there my hopes, or fears I wont to trace? And where is she, whose charms have seal'd my doom? Ah what the loss this sad world must sustain. And these fond eyes that ne'er from weeping shall refrain! 188 SONETTO LIV, Q59. (otuANTA mvidia ti porto, avara terra ; Cli ahhracd quella^ cui t'edcr m' e tolto ; E mi contendi V aria del hel "colto^ Dove pace troxai d' ogni mia guerra ! Quanta ne porto al del, che chiude, e setTa, E si cupidamente ha in se raccolto Lo spirto dalle, belle membra sciolto ; E per altrui si rado si disserra I Quanta i/ividia a quelV anime, che '/? sortc. IJann or sua sania^ e dolce compagnia ; La quaV io cercai sempre con tal brama ! Quanta a la dispietata, e dura Morte ; Cli ai'cndo spent o in lei la rita mia, Slassi ne'' sua/ beaii occhi, e me nan chiama ! 189 SONNET LIV. WiiAT envy do I bear thee, greedy clay ; Who dost her wrested from my sight embrace ; Dost with me too dispute that lovely face, Whose beauties chasVl my warring woes away ! What do I bear the heav'ns, that fold, and stay, And midst themselves so eagerly could place That spirit freed from its fair mortal case ; Heav'ns, that to others rarely ope their way ! What envy bear those favourVl souls, to whom Her sweet, and saintly intercourse is known ; To which desirous long I made pretence ! What bear fell Death, remorseless in his doom ; Who, in her life extiniiuishinti inv o\\ n. Dwells in her beauteous eves, nor dciiins to call mc hence I 190 SONETTO LV. 260. vALLEi die de^ lamenti miei se plena ; Fm?ne, che spesso del mio pianger cresci ; Fere sihestre^ vaghi augelli, e pesci, Che V una, e V allra verde riva ajfreiia ; Aria de miei sospir calda, e serena ; Dolce sen tier, che n amaro riesci j Colle, che mi piacesti, or mi rincresci, Ov' ancor per usanza Amor ?ni mena ; Ben riconosco in voi V usate forme, JVon, lasso, in me ; che da si licta vita Sonfoitto alhergo d^ injinita doglia. Qutnci vedea 7 mio bene ; e per quesf ormc Tor no a vcder, end' a I del nuda e git a Lasciando in terra la sua bella spoglia. 191 SONNET LV. 1 HOU vale, that with my plainings dost resound; Thou stream, augmented oft with many a tear; Ye wand'ring herds, ye winged tribes of air ; Ye finny droves, whom shores of verdure bound ; Warm'd by my sighs, thou heav'n that smilest round ; Thou path tliat lead'st no more to all that's dear ; Thou once-lov'd hill, that now dost sad appear, Where, my accustom'd guide, Love still is found ; Your wonted forms full well a^ain I know, But not mine own : this frame, so late tli' abode Of pleasure, now is tenanted by woe ! I see, as from those tracks I bend mine eyes, Her, who on earth has cast her mortal load, And, an uncumbcr'd sj)irit, rcach'd the skies. 192 SONETTO LVL -51. J-jefommi il viio pensier in parte, ov era Que I la, ch^ io cerco, e non rltro-co in terra: Ixifra lor, che 7 terzo ctrchio serra. La rividi piii bella, e meno altera. Per man mi prese, e disse : ^' In quest a spera " Sarai ancor meco, se 7 deair non err a ; " /' son colei che ti die tanta guerra, " E compie mia giornata innanzi sera: " Mio hen non cape in intelletto umano: " Te solo aspetto; e quel, che tanto amasti, " E laggiuso e rimaso, il mio bel veto.'" Deh pcrche tacque, ed altar go la mano ? Ch' at sucn de detti s\ pietosi, e casti, Foco manco ch^ io non rimasi in ciclo. 193 SONNET LVI. JVlY fancy bore me to that region, where Dwells her I seek, on earth yet cannot find ; Again I saw her amid those, consign'd To the third lieav'n, less haughty, and more fair. She took my hand, and thus did she declare : *' Still shalt thou dwell with me, if hope prove kind; " Twas I, who in such warfare held thy mind, " Whose day was clos'd ere evening could appear : " Xo human thought may scan the bliss I prove ; " I only wait for thee, and to resume " j\Iy fair veil cast on earth thou so didst love." How could she quit my hand, why mute become? For words thus chastely, pitcously exprest. Had nearly rcndcr'd me heav'n's lasting guest. 194 SONETTO LVII. JlMOR, che meco al buon tempo ti stam Fra quest e rive a* pensier nostri amiche; E per saldar le ragion nostre antiche, Meco, e coljiume ragionando andavi : Fior, frondi, erbe, ombre, antri, onde, aure soavi, Valli chmse, aJti colli, e piagge apricke, Porto delV amorose miefatiche, Delle fortune mie tante, e si gravi : vaghi abitator de' verdi boschi; O ninfe ; e voi, che 'I fresco erbosofojido Del liquido cristallo alberga, e pasce : 1 fniei difur si chiari ; or son slfoschi ; Come morte, che *lfa, Cosl nel mondo Sua Ventura ha ciascun dal di che nasce. 195 SONNET LVII. 1 Hou Love, who these soul-friending banks beside In luckier times hast my companion been ; And, to discharge what former debts remain, Hast converse held with me, and with the tide ! Ye flow'rsj soft airs, streams, verdures spreading wide, Ye grots, close vales, proud hills, and sunny plain, Who form the port my am'rous toils attain, Where my oppressive, num'rous sorrows hide ! O sportful tenants of the leafy woods ! O naiad throng, and ye who batt'ning range In grassy cool depths of the crystal floods ! My days, so brilliant once, grow dark of late ; E'en dark as death, that wroutrht the cruel chantje. Thus from our birtli our beini^s have their fate. o 2 196 SONETTO LVIIL 264. Animj, bclta, da quel nodo sciolta, Che pill be I mai non seppe ordir natura, Pon dal del mente alia mia vita oscuj^a Da SI lieti pensieri a pianger "volt a. La falsa opinion dal cor s' e tolfa, Che mifece alcun tempo aeerba, e dura Tua dolce vista: ornai tutta secura Volgi a me gli occhi, e i miei sospiri ascolta, Mira 7 gran sasso, donde Sorga nascc, E vedi^dvi un, che sol tra V erbe, e V acque, Di tua memoria, e di dolor si pasce. Ore giace 7 tuo albergo, e dove nacque II nostro amor, t'o' cli abbandoni, e lasce, Per non veder ne' tuoi quel, cli a te spiacque. 197 SONNET LVIII. Bright spirit, from those earthly bonds releas'd, The loveliest ever wove in nature's loom, From thy bright skies compassionate the gloom Shrouding my life that once of joy could taste ! Each false suggestion of thy heart has ceas'd, That whilom bade thee stern disdain assume; Now all secure, heav'n's habitant become, List to my sighs, thy looks upon me cast. Mark the huge rock, whence Sorga's waters rise ; And see amidst its waves, and borders stray One fed by grief, and mem'ry that ne'er dies ; But from that spot O turn thy sight away Where I hrst lov'd, where thy late dwelling lies; That in thy friends thou nought ungrateful mayst survey! 198 SONETTO LIX, 269. Zefiro torna, e 7 bel tempo rimena, E I Jioriy e V erbe, sua dolce famiglia ; E garr'ir Progne ; e piange?^ Filomena ; E primavera Candida, e vermiglia. Ridono i prati, e '/ del si rasserena ; Giove s' allegra di mirar suajiglia : X' aria, e V acqua, e la terra e d'' amor piena. Ogni aniwM d' amar si riconsiglia. Ma per me, lasso, tornano i piii gravi Sospiri, che del cor profondo tragge Quella, ch* al del se ne portd le chiam: E cantar augelletti, ejiorir piagge, E 'n belle donne oneste atti soavi Sono un deserto, efere aspre, e selvagge. 199 SONNET LIX. ZiEPHYR returns; and in his jocund train Brings verdure, flow'rs, and days serenely clear; Brings Progne's twitter, Philomel's lorn strain, With evVy bloom that paints the vernal year : Cloudless the skies, and smiling ev'ry plain ; With joyance flush'd, Jove views his daughter dear Love's genial pow*r pervades earth, air, and main ; All beings join'd in fond accord appear. But nought to me returns save sorrowing sighs, Forc'd from my inmost heart by her who bore Those keys \vhich govcrn'd it unto the skies : The blossom'd meads, the choristers of air. Sweet courteous damsels can delight no more ; Each face looks savage, and each prospect drear. 200 SO NET TO LX, 270. CiuEL rosignhwl, che si soave piagne Torse siioi figli, o sua car a consorte, Di dolcezza empie il cielo, e le campagnc Con tante note si pietose^ e scorte : E tiitta notte par che w' accompagne, E nic rammente la m'la dura sorte : Ch* altri die me non ho, di cui mi lagne ; Che ^n dee non credev* io regnasse morte. O che lieve e ingannar, chi s* assecura! Que duo bei lumi assai piii che 7 sol chiari Chi penso mai vederfar terra oscura ? Or conosco io, che miafera *ventura Vuol, che vivendo, e lagrinumdOi impart Come nulla quaggiu diletta, c dura. 201 SONNET LX. Y ON nightingale that pours forth tuneful wail For its dear mate, or haply for its young, Fills all tlie vaulted heav'n, and echoing dale With siicli sweet-modulated, plaintive song; Alethinks it joins my melancholy tale, Reminding me of woe the whole night long : That death o'er charms divine could ne'er prevail I ween'd, but now lament a thought so wrong. Who seeks security doth vainly stray : Ah me, that unto murky earth should turn Those eyes which far outshone the radiant day ! The precept my hard fortune would convey I now perceive ; to live, to weep, and learn Of cv'ry bliss below how transient is the stay. 202 SONETTO LXI. 271- JYi: j&er sereno del *ir vaghe stelk ; Ne per tranquillo mar legni spalmati ; Me per campagne cavalieri armati ; Ne per bet boschi allegrefere, e snelle ; Ne ct aspettato benfresche no*velle ; Ne dir d^ amore in stili alti, ed ornati ; Ne tra chiarefontane, e verdi prati Dolce cant are oneste do7tne, e belie ; Ne altro sara mai, cli al cor m^ aggiu?iga ; Si seco il seppe quella seppeUire, Che sola a gli occki mieiju lu7ne, e spcgUo. Noja ni b 7 viver si gramsa, e limga, C/i I chiamo iljine per lo gran desire Di riveder^ cui oion xiederfu 7 meglio 203 SONNET LXI. JN OR beamy stars that climb the blue serene ; Nor fresh-trimm'd vessel riding the smooth sea ; Nor knights stretch'd o'er the plain in arm'd array ; Nor deer brisk-bounding forest glades between ; Nor early tidings of some good foreseen ; Nor love's exalted, and embellishM lay ; Nor beauteous damsels warbling carols gay Near limpid fountain, or in meadow green ; Nor aught delightful shall this heart hold dear, Which deep entombed with my lov'd Laura lies. Late the sole liglit, and mirror of these eyes ! So loath'd and tedious now doth life appear, I fain would yield it up ; again to view Her, ^vhom I much lament that e'er I knew. 204 SONETTO LXIL 274. luTTA la miafiorita, e verde etade Passava ; e '?itepidir sentia gia Hfoco, CK arse 7 mio cor*; ed era giunto al loco, Ove scende la vitaj ch* al Jin cade : Gia incominciava a prender sicurtade La mia car a 7iemica a poco a poco De' suol sospetti ; e rivolgeva in gioco Mie pene acerbe sua dolce onestade : Presso era 7 tempo^ dov amor si scontra Con castitate ; ed a gli amanti e dato Sedersi insieme, e dir che lor* incotitra. Morte ebbe invidia al miojelice sfato, Anzi alia speme; e fcglisi all' incontra A mezza via, come neinico armato. 205 SONNET LXII. NlY verdurous, and bloomy prime was past; More faintly glow'd my bosom's scorching flame ; And to that portion of my days I came, When life declining to its end doth haste : JVIy hostile fair suspicion had nigh ceas'd. Of insecurity did little dream j Oftimes my tender sorrows were her theme, On which some courteous merriment she cast : Now time at length that sober period brought, When chastity might fondness safely greet, And social lovers speak each inmost thought : Then death, invidious of a joy so sweet E'en in expectance, cross'd me on my road. And, like an armed foe, despoil'd me of my good. 206 SONETTO LXIIL Q79' Sen TO V aura mia antica ; e i dolci colli Veggio apparir, onde 7 bel lume nacque, Che tenne gli occhi miei, mentr' al del piacque^ Bramosi, e lieti; or li tien tristi, e molli, O caduche speranze, o pensier folli ! Vedove V erbe, e tor bide son V acque ; E voto, efreddo 7 nido, in cU ella giacque, Nel quaV io vivo, e morto giacer volli ; Sperando al Jin dalle soavi piante^ E da^ begli occhi suoi, che 7 cor rri hann' arso, Riposo alcun dellefatiche tante. Ho servifo a signor crudele, e scarso : CK arsiy quanto 7 miofoco ehbi davante ; Or vo piangendo il suo cenere sparso. 207 SONNET LXIII. I FEEL the well-known gale ; the hills I spy So pleasant, whence my fair her being drew. Which made these eyes, while heav'n was willing, shew Wishful, and gay ; now sad, and never dry. O feeble hopes ! O thoughts of vanity ! Witherd the grass, the rills of turbid hue ; And void, and cheerless is that dwelling too, Where I could both have wish'd to live, to die ; Hoping its mistress might at length afford Some respite to my woes by plaintive sighs. And sorrows pour'd from her once-burning eyes. I've servd a cruel, and ungrateful lord : While liv'd my beauteous flame, my heart he fir'd : And o'er its ashes now 1 weep expir'd. 208 CANZONE X. 43. Amor, quando Jioria Mia spene^ e V guidardon d* og/ii miaj'ede, Tolta m' e qudlay ond' attended mercede. AM dispietata morte, ahi crudel vita : U una m ha posto in doglia, E mie speranze acerbamente ha spente : Z' altra tni ten quaggiii contra mia voglia; E lei, che sen' e git a, Seguir non posso ; cK' ella nol consente : 209 ODE X. Y ES, Love, at that propitious time When hope was in its bloomy prime. And when I vainly fancied nigh The meed of all my constancy ; Then sudden she, of whom I sought Compassion, from my sight was caught. O ruthless death ! O life severe ! The one has sunk me deep in care. And darken'd cruelly my day, That shone with hope's enliv'ning ray : The other, adverse to my will, Doth here on earth detain me still ; 210 Ma pur* ognor presente Nel mezzo del mio cor madonna siede, E quaV e la mia vita, ella sel vede. 211 And interdicts me to pursue Her, who from all its scenes withdrew Yet in my heart resides the fair, For ever, ever present there ; Who well perceives the ills that wait Upon my wretched, mortal state. p S 212 SONETTO LXIV. S87. Ite, rime dolcnti, al duro sasso, Che 7 mio caro tesoro in terra asconde : Ivi chiamatey chi dal del risponde ; Benche 7 mortal sia in loco oscuro, e basso. Ditele cK i son gia di viver lasso, Del navigar per queste orribiV onde : Ma, ricogliendo le sue spartefronde, Dietro le vo pur cosi passo passo. Sol di lei ragionando *viva, e morta, Anzi pur viva, ed orfatta immortale ; Accid che 7 mondo la conoscay ed ame. Piacciale al mio passar* esscr accorta ; CK e presso omai : siami alV incontro ; e quale Ella h nel cielo, a sk mi tiri, e chiame. 218 SONNET LXIV. Go, plaintive verse, to the dull marble go, Which hides in earth my treasure from these eyes j There call on her who answers from yon skies, Although the mortal part dwells dark and low. Of life how I am wearied make her know. Of stemming these dread ^aves that round me rise : But, copying all her virtues I so prize, Her track I follow, yet my steps are slow. I sing of her, living, or dead, alone ; (Dead did I say? She is immortal made !) That by the world she should be lov'd, and known. O, in my passage hence may she be near, To greet my coming that's not long delay'd ; And may I hold in heav'n the rank herself hold there ! 214 SONETTO LXV. 294,. Ijasciato haiy Morte^ senza sole il mondo Oscuro, efreddo ; Amor cieco, ed infer me ; Leggiadria ignuda ; le heUtzze inerme ; Me sconsolato, ed a me grave pondo ; Cortesia in hando ; ed ones t ate infondo : DogUom' io soly ne soV ho da dokrme : Che svelf hai di virtute il chiaro germe, Spento il primo valor, qualjla il secondo ? Pianger f aer\ e la terra, e 7 mar devrebbe X' uman legnaggio ; che senz* ella h quasi Senza jior prato, o senza gemma anello. Non la conobbe il mondo, mentre V ebbe: ConobbiC io, cli' a pianger qui ramasi ; E 7 cicl, che del mio pianto or si fa hello. 215 SONNET LXV. 1 Hou, Death, hast left this world's dark, cheerless way Without a sun : Love blind, and strip'd of arms ; Left mirth despoil'd ; beauty bereav'd of charms ; And me self- wearied, to myself a prey ; Left vanish'd, sunk whate'er was courteous, gay : I only weep, yet all must feel alarms : If beauty's bud the hand of rapine harms It dies, and not a second views the day ! Let air, earth, ocean weep for human kind ; For human kind, depriv'd of Laura, seems A tlow'rless mead, a ring whose gem is lost None knew her worth, while to this orb confin'd, Save nie lier bard, whose sorrow ceaseless streams, And heav'n that's made more beauteous at my cost. 216 .SONETTO LXVI. 302. (tzi angeli eletti, e V anime beate Cittadine del cielo, il primo giorno Che madonna passd, lefur intorno Piene di maraviglia, e di pietate. " Che luce e quest a, e qual nova belt ate V Dicean tra lor: " Perch' abito si adorno " Dal mondo errattte a quesf alto soggiorno " Non sail mat in tutta quest a etate.'' Ella, contenta aver cangiato albergo. Si paragona pur coi piii pe?fitti ; E parte ad or' ad or si volge a tergo^ Mir an do s' io la seguo ; e par cli asptiti : Ona^ io voglie, e pensier tutii al cicV ergo, Percli io /' odo pregar pur, cli i iri affretti. 217 SONNET LXVL The chosen angels, and the spirits blest, Celestial tenants, on that glorious day My mistress pass*d them, throng'd in bright array Around her, with amaze and awe imprest. " What splendour, what new beauty stands confest " Unto our sight?" among them^^elves they say: " No soul, in this vile age, trom sinful clay " To our high realms has risen so fair a guest." Delighted to have chang'd her mortal state, She ranks amid the purest of her kind ; And ever and anon she looks behind. To mark my progress, and my coming wait ; Now uiy whole thought, my wish to heavn I cast; "Tis Laura's voice I hear, and hence she bids me haste. 218 SONETTO LXVIL 304. JJa* piu begU occhiy e clal piii chiaro viso, Che mai splendesse ; e da' piii bei capelli, Chefacean V oro, e 1 sol parer men belli; Dal piii dolce parlar\ e dolce riso ; Dalle man, dalle braccia ; che conquiso Seiiza moversi avrian quai piii rebelli Fur d' amor mai ; da piii bei piedi snelli ; Dalla persona fat t a in paradiso Prendjt^an vita i miei spirti : or n ha diletto II re celeste^ e i suoi alati corrieri ; Ed io son qui inmaso ignudo, e cieco, Sof un conforto alle mie pene aspetto ; Cli ella, che vede tutti i miei pensieri, AE ijupctre grazia, eh' V possa esser seco. 219 SONNET LXVII. 1 HE brightest eyes, the most resplendent face That ever shone ; and the most radiant hair. With which nor gold, nor sinibeam could compare; The sweetest accent, and a smile all grace ; Hands, arms, that would e'en motionless abase Those who to love the most rebellious were ; Fine, nimble feet ; a form that would appear Like that of lier, who first did Eden trace : These fann'd life's spark Now heav'n, and all its choir Of angel hosts those kindred charms admire; While lone, and darkling I on earth remain : Yet is not comfort fled ; she, who ran read Each secret of my soul, shall intercede ; And I her sainted form behold auain. 220 SONETTO LXVIIL 310. yoLO con V all de pensieri al cielo Si spesse volte, che quasi im di loro Esser 7ni par, c* hanxH ivi il sico tesoro, Lasciando in terra lo squarciato velo. Talor mi trema 7 cor d* irn dolce gelo Udendo lei, per cli io mi discolor o, Dirmi : ^^Amico, or f am io, ed or f onoro, " Perc' hai costumi variati, e 7 peloJ" Menami al suo Signer : allor m'' inchino Pregando umilemente, che consent a CK r St I a "oeder e V iino, e V altro volto, lUsponde : " EgU b benfermo il tuo destino ; " E per tardar an cor vent^ anni, o trenta, " Parr^a a te troppo, e nonfia perd molto." 221 SONNET LXVIII. So often on the wings of thought I fly Up to heav'n's blissful seats, that I appear As one of those whose treasure is lod^'d there, The rent veil of mortality thrown -by. A pleasing chilness thrills my heart, while I Listen her voice, w ho bids me paleness wear " Ah now, my friend, I love thee, now revere, *' For chang'd thy face, thy manners !" doth she cry. She leads me to her Lord : and then I bow. Preferring humble pray"r, he would allow That I his glorious face, and hers might see. Thus he replies : " Thy destiny's secure ; " To stay some twenty, or some ten years more, *' Is but a little space, though long it seems to thee." 222 SONETTO LXIX, 313. 1 FO piangendo i miei passati tempi^ I quai posi i?i m?iar cosa mortale Senza levarmi a volo, avend' io V ale, Per darforse di me non bassi esempi. Tuy che vedi i miei mali indegniy ed empi, Re del cielo invisibile, immortale ; Soccorri alV alma disviata, efrale, E 7 suo difdto di tua grazia adempi. Sicchh, s io vissi in guerra, ed in tempesta ; Mora in paee, ed in porto : e se la stanza Fu 'vana, almen sia la partita onesta. A quel poco di viver, che m avanza ; Ed al inorir, degni esser tua man presta : Tu sai ben, che 'n altrui non ho speranza. 223 SONNET LXIX. Still do I weep the days that are gone by, When sublunary things my fondness sway'd. And no bold flight, though having wings, I made, Haply to give of me examples high. Thou, who my impious, foul misdeeds dost spy, Dread Lord of heaven immortal, viewless ! aid The soul that's frail, that has from duty stray 'd ; And its defect O let thy grace supply ! Thus if life's warfare, and its storm I prov'd, Peace, and a harbour may in death be mine : Though vain my stay, I'll worthily depart. For that short period ere I'm hence remov'd, And at the last, extend thy hand divine : Thou knowst, that thou alone giv'st hope unto my heart. 224 SONETTO LXX. 317. Vago augelletto, che cantando *cai, Ovver piangendo il tuo tempo passato Vedendoti la notte, e 7 'cerno a lato, E'l di dopo le spalle, e i mesi gai ; Se come i tuoi gravosi affanni sai. Cost sapessi il mio simile stato ; Verresti in grembo a questo sconsolato A partir seco i doloroei guai, T non sd se le parti sarian pai ; Che quella, cui tu piangi, Iforse in vita ; Di cK a me morte, e 7 ciel son tanto avari. Ma la stagione, e V or a men gradita. Col memhrar de dolci anni, e degli amari, A parlar teco con pieth rri invita. 225 SONNET LXX. bw'EExbird, that singest on thy airy way, Or else bewailest pleasures that are past ; What time the night draws nigh, and wintry blast ; Leaving behind each merry month, and day ; O, couldst thou, as thine own, my state survey, With the same gloom of misery o'ercast ; Unto my bosom thou mightst surely haste, And, by partaking, all my griefs allay. Vet would thy share of woe not equal mine, Since the lov'd mate thou weep'st may haply live : While death, and heav'n, me of my fair deprive : But hours less gay, the season's drear decline ; With thoughts on many a sad, and pleasant year. Tempt me to ask thy piteous presence here. Q NOTES. Q 2 NOTES SONNETS, AND ODES. SONNET I. In this first Sonnet, which serves as a proem to the Sonnets in general, the classic reader will perceive how closely Horace is copied in the fourth, ninth, and tenth lines of the Italian. See his Od. 1. Lib. 4. and Epod. 11. The Abbe de Sade, author of Memoires pour la Vie de Pctrarque, remarks, how- ever, that Sonnet VI. Vergognaiido talor, &c. ought perhaps to stand as the first in the collection : for he therein accuses himself of not having yet sung the beauty of his mistress, it may therefore justly be supposed the first Sonnet he wrote upon her. A translation in old English of the present poem may be found in the same collection of Sunges and Sonnettes as contain the preceding prefatory Sonnet in black letter; it is entitled: The lover asketh pardon of his passed JoUy in love. 230 SONNET II. This stands as the first of the many Sonnets Petrarch com- posed, to celebrate that memorable day, which gave such co- lour to his life, when he first saw Laura at the church of St. Claire, in Avignon ; it was on a INIonday, April 6, 1327. '' Till " then," says he, " I had been guilty of much offence towards *' Love, by not sooner submitting to his power ; but he has at " length avenged himself." And to express this, our poet as- sumes a military metaphor. SONNET III. A well-educated lady, named Giustina I;evi Perotti of Sasso- ferrato, daughter of Andrea Perotti of the ancient, and illus- trious house of Levi, was enthusiastically fond of poetry ; and this turn having drawn upon her the raillery of some of her friends, she consulted Petrarch in a Sonnet whether he would advise her to indulge it. He answered her by the present Sonnet, which is composed of the same rhymes with that the lady sent. In the twelfth line of the original some few edi- tions have I'alta via. SONNET IV. Petrarch, it would appear, sometimes amused himself with the sports of the field. Having one day caught a brace of birds, which some contend were woodpigeons, others par- tridges, in the country near Laura's birth-place, he sent tliem to a friend, probably James Colonna, the bishop, with the 231 present Sonnet, which the birds themselves are supposed to speak, although in no living state, as is evident from the eleventh line. This composition is by the Abbe de Sade re- ferred to the year 1331. Tassoni, who is often humorous, as well as severe, in his criticisms on Petrarch, observes with respect to the first eight lines, that, V ordine e piil sconvolto, e ritorto, che non e la coda del gran diatolo. ODE I. " In early beauty," says Petrarch, " ere you were aware of " my passion, and when you endeavoured to render yourself " generally pleasing, you then displayed to me all your charms; " but now that you know my attachment, you hide with " your veil those particular beauties to which I am so partial, " your fine hair, and lovely eyes. What else can account for " your so constantly wearing that veil; whether the sun re- " quires it, or no; whether it be warm, or cold?" Such is the interpretation of Daniello, Vellutello, and others. He again expresses his hostility towards this veil, in Sonnet XXXII. Tacitus attributes a similar artifice of the veil to Poppea : Vclata parte oris, ne satiaret aspectum, vcl quia sic dccebat. In what high estimation Petrarch was held by the writers, particularly the amatory poets, in the beginning of the l6th century, is evident from their frequent translations, and imi- tations of his verse. Henry Howard, Earl of Surrey, and Sir Thomas Wyat the elder, two of the most polite scholars, and gentlemen of Henry the eighth's court, are striking instances of this: tliey copy him continually; and have been justly termed the reformers of our English metre, and style. As a specimen of Eord Surrey's manner, I will give his translation entire of this first Camonc of Petrarch, which he entitles: 232 Complaint that fays Ladie after she knew of hya ove, kept her face alwayes hydden from hym. I never savve my ladie laye apart Her cornet blacke, in colde nor yet in heate, Sith fyrst she knew my griefe was growen so greate, Whyche other fansies dryveth from my harte, That to myselfe I do the thought reserve, The whyche unwares dyd wound my woful brest, But on her face mine eies mought never rest: Yet synce 1 knew I dyd her love and serve, Her golden tresses cladde allway with blacke ; Her smyleying lookes that had thus evermore, And that restraynes which I desire so sore : So doth this cornet governe mee, alacke! In somer sunne, in winter's breathe, a frost Wherebye the lyghte of her fayre lookes 1 lost. SONNET V. Petrarch is supposed to have written this Sonnet during the year 1331. In the seventh line he takes occasion to mention, as he does in other parts of his poems, the very garment, and its colour, which Laura had on the first day he saw her. Tassoni calls those sighs of Laura in her old-age, mentioned m the last line: // soccorso di Pisa, che airivo quaranta giorni (lopo ch' dla fu presa. SONNET VI. See the note to Sonnet L The metaphor taken up in the fifth line is evidently in imitation of Horace. 233 Sumite materiam vestris, qui scribitis, ceqnam Viribus: ct versate diu, quiferre recusent Quid valeant humeri. HoRAT. De Arte poetica. SONNET VII. This Sonnet, Castelvetro observes, is grounded upon the Platonic philosophy. The soul of the lover is said lo reside in the beloved object, not in the lover's self: if then the be- loved object despises that soul, and drives it away; as it cannot exist out of the human frame, and will not reside with any other than the beloved object, it must of necessity die. " What " rhetorick belongs to enamoured poets of high genius 1" exclaims La Ceva : " Few like Petrarch could express with " perspicuity, and poetic dignity, the many subtile ideas which '' these lines contain." And to transfuse them into another language is scarcely practicable. ODE II. The second line of this Canzone I have not translated ; the exception it affects seems little pertinent, and meant only to in- troduce scriptural quotation, which we shall find cur bard fre- quently aimed at. See the royal Psalter, Psalm 104. rcr. CO 23. By the aniorosa selva, in the fifth stanza, Petrarch has in view the nemus lunbrifcnim of \'irgil, where Dido again met her husband Sicha?us. See illnad. 6. xcr. 472. The sixth stanza, wherein the storv of Pha'hus and Daphne is evidently alluded to, has been adduced by the Abbe de Sade, in his Mtmoircs, as a proof, among many others, that eur i)oet's pa?- 234 sion for Laura was of a more sensual nature than has gene- rally been supposed. SONNET VIII. This Sonnet is supposed to have been written during a dan- gerous illness that befel Laura, from a disorder then prevalent at Avignon, occasioned by the extreme drought of the season; at which time she appeared to Petrarch as a vision in his sleep. Lucifer, or the morning star, and Callisto, or the greater bear, are the only stars that are brightened by the rising sun ; all the other stars grow dim, and disppear. See the metamorphosis of Callisto in Hyginus, Fab. 184. SONNET IX. Petrarch had planted a laurel by the side of a stream, to which Laura in her walks frequently resorted ; and he im- plores Apollo to protect it. Our Poet affected a partiality for the laurel, by reason of its coincidence with the name of his mistress Laura; and he presumes that Apollo entertained the same partiality, by reason of his beloved Daphne being trans- formed into that tree, on the banks of the river Peneus. This will sufficiently explain the Sonnet, and its concetti which are almost untranslatable. SONNET X. It is uncertain at what period, or upon what occasion, Pe- trarch composed this Sonnet ; it may perhaps be referred to 235 the year 1334, as it seems to be written in the same frame of mind with other poems he composed in that year. SONNET XI. This is one of the most sportive of Petrarch's Sonnets. He complains that Laura by frequent contemplation of her beauty in the looking-glass, which he calls his rival, grows too fond of herself, and neglects him. " If," says he to her," " 1 could but fix my image in that glass, you would not re- " gard yourself alone ; you would of necessity regard me also, " Remember the lot of Narcissus, who for self-admiration " was transformed into a flower ; yet, were you so trans- " formed, in wha.t soil sufficiently worthy could you grow?" SONNET XII. This Sonnet is supposed to have been written 1336, about the same time with Canzone IV. Petrarch here accuses his tongue, his tears, and his sighs of not doing him the same justice, in the declaration of his passion, as his countenance does him. Sir Thomas Wyat the elder has translated this Sonnet, entitling it : Against his long that failed to utter his sutler'. ODE III. Peiraroli liere complains of the wretchedness of his con- dition, by comparing it w'ith that o!" a pilgrim (an aged, and fcinale one too, v.hose wanui-rir.gs must he most paintuO, a labotiiiivji, pea'-anU a shrpherd, and a sailor; they have all 256 their repose, but his passion allows him none. The perpetual allusions to Virgil, Horace, and Ovid, in his choice of imagery, it is needless to point out to the classic reader. The fourth Italian stanza would perhaps inform us, that this Ode was composed about the year 1337, nearly teji years Cben presso al decim' anno) after he first saw Laura. The end o^ the fifth stanza alludes to the different opinions maintained by the Peripateticks, and Platonists, respecting the soul when freed from our mortal body ; the former supposed, that it was then no longer influenced by the passions ; the latter believed the contrary, hence Virgil, JEneid. 6. ver. 444. Curoe non ipsa in morte relinquunt. And, from the conclusion, Castelvetro, with Daniello would infer, that it was written in the space of a day ; which, observes Tassoni, is probable enough : the poet therefore recommends to his Ode, that, for want of due polish, it should not obtrude itself on the public, but be con- tent like himself with seclusion. ODE IV. Propertius expresses a like sentiment to that contained in the conclusion of this Canzone. Laus in amore mori. Propert. Eleg. 1. Lib. 2. ODE V. This is the first of three successive Canzoni, the most cele- brated of all Petrarch's poetical compositions, written at Vau- cluse, about the year 1339. They are addressed to the eyes of his mistress ; and have acquired the appellations of " tha 237 three Sisters," " the three Graces," " the three Divinities." All Italy entertains for them, even at this day, the most en- thusiastic admiration. The Abbe Salvini calls them " perfect ** Venuses, which the most fastidious critic cannot find the " smallest fault with." Sebastian Erizzo, who has explained them, says, that they abound with sublime thoughts, and are decorated with every poetical ornament. Even the severe Tassoni denominates them " the Queens of song," affirming, that they might alone entitle their author to the laurel crown. And Muratori insists, that every reader of taste must allow, that Italian poetry can boast of nothing more exquisite. The Abbe de Sade, however, does not find them wholly void of defects. SONNET XIII. This Sonnet, though it may not perhaps rank among the highest of poetic excellence, is yet valuable, as it informs us, that our poet had employed Simon Memmi of Siena, a celebrated artist of that day, to paint Laura's picture : and it is preceded by another to the same purpose. Vasari remarks upon these two Sonnets, that Simon would be more obliged to them for future fame than to all the pictures he ever painted ; the former might be transmitted to latest posterity, time must inevitably destroy the latter. SONNET XIV. Petrarch evidently wrote these lines when Laura was no longer in her bloom, and, as is supposed, about the year 1342. His description of her charms is perhaps imitated from A'ir- gil, JEncid. 1. ter. 406. Some pretend, that a noble friend of 238 our po,et's, desirous of seeing such a miracle of beauty, ex- pressed, on being introduced to her, much disappointment ; on which occasion Petrarch presented him this Sonnet. In the concluding line we trace the old Latin proverb : Gladius rdusus non sanat vubiiis. SONNET XV. Cino of Pistoia was an eminent civilian, who read lectures at Bologna, where Petrarch, when young, studied under him ; he was also an elegant poet, which endeared him to his pupil, who thus laments his loss. The citizens of Pistoia are called perverse, for some neglect towards so celebrated a cha- racter. The turn of this Sonnet is not unlike that of the third Carmen of Catullus : Liigde, 6 Veneres, Cupklincsqitc. SONNET XV L Tassoni accuses Petrarch of having stolen this Sonnet frnm Antonio di Beccari, a poet of Ferrara ; and he quotes Bec- cari's Sonnet, which certainly has a strong resemblance. The Abbe de Sade supposes, that our bard had in the present cor- rected the Sonnet of his friend Beccari. It was perhaps writ- ten in the year 1344. As Cesar disguised his joy by tears, so Hannibal concealed his grief by laughter. Petrarch alludes to these two circumstances, as related the one by Tucan, and the other by Livy. See Lucan, Lib. 9- vc?\ 1033, where he describes Cesar's behaviour, on receiving Pompey's head from Ptolemy Dionysius, Egypt's traitor. See also Livy, Lib, 239 10. decad. 3. where the vanquished Hannibal affected laugh- ter, amidst his weeping Carthaginians, when they reluctantly paid the heavy fine imposed upon them, as the purchase of peace. A translation of this Sonnet in old English is found in Harrington's Nugcc Antiquce, Vol. 1. by Sir Thomas Wyat the elder, who entitles it, in his works : Of others^ fained sor- row, and the lover's fained mirth. SONNET XVII. This is one of the Sonnets, in which our poet inveighs against the pro0igacy of the court of Avignon, designating it by the appellation of Babylon ; it is not however one of those condemned by Papal power, and suppressed in some edi- tions of his works. We may perhaps date it about the year 1343. The last terzetto has a reference to his mistress Laura; and his friend Stephen Colonna, who was driven from Rome by the Orsini faction, and consequently insecure in his sta- tion. Some pretend that a fit of the gout, which the Cardi- nal laboured under, is here alluded to. SONNET XVIIl. Petrarch taking leave of Laura, previous to his departure from Avignon, in 1345, she became sensibly afi'ected, and turned pale. The subject of the present is best explained by the note to Sonnet XX\TL Vo, ben puo' tii, Sc. ODE VI. This much admired Canionc is always accompanied wiiii nnother, which succeeds it : Chiarc, frt:iclie, e doki acijuc, ^^. 240 and of which a most elegant free translation, in the same measure with the present, is found among the Poems of the late Sir William Jones. Gravina calls these Canzoni " The two pretty Sisters." They both turn upon the same subject, the rural scenery that witnessed the tender intercourse of Pe- trarch and Laura. They were both written probably in the year 1344. Commentators have been unnecessarily divided respecting the locality of the country alluded to. Supposing, as the Italians generally do, that Laura lived at Cabrieres, and that Petrarch fixed his residence at Vaucluse, for the sake of being near, and gaining opportunities of seeing her, the scene must then of course lie between these two places, on the banks of the Sorga : Voltaire indeed, who translated the second of these pieces, makes it addressed to the Fountam of Vaucluse ; whereas Vellutello, Tassoiii, and others assert, perhaps er- roneously, that the present Canzone was composed on the banks of the Coulon, a muddy stream about a mile distant from Cabrieres, where the country is not very inviting ; and the second only on the banks of the Sorga. SONNET XIX. Petrarch affects a scriptural quotation, so frequent with him, in the beginning of this Sonnet. *' He hath bent his bow, and set me as a mark for the arrow." Prophet Jere- miah, Lament. Ch.3. ter. 12. And he then relates his wretch- edness under four different similitudes. In the last line, the play upon his mistress's name, as L' aura (the gale) cannot escape the Italian reader. Ul SONNET XX. It was probably written in the year 1346, when Petrarch's mind was more particularly distracted with the hopes and fears of his passion. The chain of antithesis it contains would remind us of the 8 th Banium of Bonefonius : Salve tnelque vieum ; atque ajuaritudo, S^c. W't may be also led to fancy, that we can trace in it the following stanza, which be- gins a little poem composed by our royal Elizabeth, " upon INIountZeurs departure." (Ashmol. Mus. MSS. 6969 781 p. 142.) I greeve yet dare not shewe my discontent, I love and yet am forst to seeme to hate, I doe yet dare not say I ever meant, I seeme starke mute but inwardly doe prate, I am and not, I freeze and yet am burn'd, Since from myself my other selfe I turn'd. That the higher ranks of Queen Elizabeth's day were con- versant with Petrarch is evident from this very Sonnet, with others of his, being found faithfully translated into old Englibh in Harrington's Ntigct Antiques, Vol. 1. among which is the present by Sir Thomas Wyat the elder, in whose collection of poems it is entitled: Description of the contrarlous passions oj a loicr. SONNET XXI. This Sonnet, a translation of which is found in Harring- ton's Nugcc Anti(nta:, Vol. 1. was written on the same grounds as Sonnet X\TI. It stands the first of those three condemned by the court of Rome, and suppressed m uU the then printed editions, oi I'etruich's poetry; they have consequently found 11 242 but few translators, or commentators. " A dieu ne plaise que j' entreprenne de Ics traduire !" squeamishly exclaims the Abbe de Sade. Some ridiculously enough pretend, that this poetical invective was meant against a noble lady of the house of Medici, for whom our bard had reason to enter- tain an aversion : others affirm, it was against the wife of Marco Brusco a Provencal poet, who was herself a poetess, it it said, and the rival of Petrarch. In the seventh line of the present we may trace the first of Sonnet III. Among the poems of Sir Thomas Wyat the elder we find a translation of the present piece. ODE VII. The Abbe de Sade would refer this Canzone to the year 1346, when Petrarch vainly fancied that Laura gave some encouragement to his passion. But Vellutello would refer it to the year 1344, when he was graciously received by her, on his return from Italy, making the visit he promises himself in Sonnet XXIX. I cannot forbear giving the Italian reader a specimen of Tassoni's mirthful criticism, in his remark on the first two lines of this poem : Quel farsi nien duro il riso, t qua- litd pill convenevole al riso, die si cuoce per mincstra, die non r quello, chc si fa coUa bocca. The measure, and arrangement of the rhymes, in this translation, are exactly conformable to those of the original. SONNET XXII. From the present Sonnet we may conjecture, that Laura was a dark-eyed beauty. The conceit of Cupid making her eyes his armoury, there finisliing his golden arrows, is elegant; 243 and his picture of the little deity truly classical. To the bard, who could so paint him, may be applied those lines of Pro- pertius, Eleg. 4. Lib. 2. Quiainque illefuit puertim qui pinxit Amorenif Nonne putas miras hunc habuisse manus ? The three last lines rather betray a vain glory. SONNET XXIir. Commentators tell us, that Petrarch composed this Sonnet in \3i6y on seeing Laura lament the loss of either one of her parents, or of some friend : Ermessenda her mother, and Paul de Sade her father-in-law, I believe, both died that year. The ingenious Dr. Burney, in his History of Musick, Fol. 2. page 334, adduces this, with other passages from Petrarch's poems, to prove that Laura was conversant with musick : her bard, we know, cultivated that science ; for he bequeaths his " good lute to Master Thomas Bombasio of Ferrara, that he " might sound it, not for the vanity of a fleeting age, but to " the praise and glory of the eternal God." SONNET XXIV. The Platonists, and some other philosophers, pretended that in heaven were kept the ideas, or models of every ani- mal, and of all created beings ; to which opinion the begin- ning of our Sonnet alludes. By the chiefest of Laura's vir- tues is meant chastity, wbich precluded all pretension to the indulgence of passion. And in the conclusion of the Sonnet we evidently trace Horace, Ode 22. Book 1. Duke ridentcni Lalagtn amabo, Duke laquentem. R 2 244 SONNET XXV. This Sonnet points out the custom, which the ladies of Avignon still observe, of bathing in the Rhone during the warm summer months: it was perhaps written in those months of the year 1348, and proves that Laura then dwelt at Avig- non. Some commentators pretend that the Sorga, others that the Lumergue, or the Coulon, both running near Cabrieres, i the puro Jiume alluded to ; but the two last are certainly only poor muddy streams. SONNET XXVI. The Power of Love is intended in the eighth line ; and similar to the last line is the idea of our amorous English poet, Sedley : Cupid that lover weakly strikes, Who can express what 'tis he likes. With the same thought too Samuel Daniel concludes his first Sonnet : Who can shew all his love, doth love but lightly. SONNET XXVII. Petrarch wrote the present Sonnet in the spring of 131-3, after taking that tender farewell of Laura to which he alludes in that beautiful one. Quel xago impaUidir, SfC. when he quitted Avignon, intending to pass the remainder of his days in Italy. We are told he embarked on tlie Po at Parma, to go to ^'e- rona ; in which case, curno, in the 12th line, is a most happy expression ; it being a horned, or bent branch of that river which joins those towns. The Po running from w est to east, 245 it of course quits the westward situation of Avignon, the resi- dence of the bright Laura, to meet the nsing sun. SONNET XXVIII. Tassoni highly extols this Sonnet, as a masterly composi- tion ; and the Abbe de Sade adduces it, as aiuhentically desig- nating one of the gay suits of Laura's apparel, which, from the sixth line, it would seem she then chose to have put on for the first time. SONNET XXIX. Petrarch is supposed to have written it in ihe year 1344., apprudching Avignon, on his return from Italy. In this jour- ney he had a fall from his horse, which greatly endangered him. In the fourth line a conceit is intended : Laura (L'aura, the gale) occasioned Petrarch both grief, and renown; by his unfortunate passion, and by his celebrated verse. SONNET XXX. Petrarch, herein, alludes to that period of time when he first knew Laura, and that she was yet a young married woman, having scarce left off her girlish attire, but still wearing her hair in a negligent unornamented style : whereas now, says he, she wears it less exposed, covered, and adorned with rich head- dresses, as is usual in womanhood. Jttrif in the fifth line, implies her husband. 245 SONNET XXXf. The lovely Laura combing and adjusting her beautiful tresses, is designated by the gale sporting with them ; and, as it were, performing the office of her fingers. By twofold, in the tenth line, our poet alludes to the brightness both of the eyes, and haij of his mistress. SONNET XXXII. Petrarch in the present Sonnet lays aside his usual queru- lous tone, and assumes that of sportive gallantr}'. Laura, be- ing at a public assembly, dropt her glove, which Petrarch, ever attentive to her, picked up, and would fain have detained; she however with some vivacity took it from him, though he reluctantly resigned it : and upon this subject he composed three successive Sonnets, of which this is the first. Our poet in the second obscure line, which I have rendered verbatim, perhaps only meant to give the literal of a familiar figurative expression : " my life is in your hands, you are the mistress " and arbiter of my fate." By the cinque perk, in the fifth line, some imagine that the nails of his mistress's beautiful fingers are intended; but this is construing too refinedly, in my opinion, A reference to the first Canzone will perhaps best explain the twelfth line. SONNET XXXIII. It was written 134(), when Laura, on some occasion, doubted her Poet's passion. The two last lines have been usually quoted, with what propriety I cannot see, in the notes to Gray's Elegy, as giving the hint of the following stanza in it : 247 On some fond breast the parting soul relies, Some pious drops the closing eye. requires ; E'en from the tomb the voice of nature cries. E'en in our ashes live their wonted fires. Our poet, I believe, meant to say, that the warmth, ant| genius of his verse, when he and his mistress were no more, would inspire many a future lover. SONNET XXXIV. Our poet in the eight line evidently had his eye upon Ovid: Eligc cui dicas, tu mihi sola places. OviD. De Arte Amandi. Lib. i. SONNET XXXV. This Sonnet was written in the year 1345, betwsen Lyons and Avignon, riding by the side of the Rhone ; and he erro- neously makes this river derive its name from the Latin, or Italian, rodere ; though Pliny, and some others derive it from Rhoda, a city of Spain, whose inhabitants once peopled its banks; but it is perhaps more properly derived from the Celtic rhedeg, to flow rapidly, according to Father Pezron. In like manner Horace speaks of the Liris eating its way : Non rura, quce Liris quietd Mordet aqud taciturnus amnis. lioR. Od. 31. Lib. 1. By the plain, in the seventh line, is intended the country about Avignon, where Laura then dwelt. And in the last line the original is literally scriptural. See St. Mark. Chap. 14* ver. 38. 248 SONNET XXXVI. It appears from one of his Epistles, written 1342, that Petrarch lost the freshness of youth at an early period of life ; owing, as he says, to the perpetual discord between his soul and his body. One of his friends remarking, that such a change could be no other than the effect of sorcery, the poet replied to him in the present Sonnet. SONNET XXXVII. In Petrarch's day, the fine ladies literally rose with the sun ; and it would appear from this, as well as from a variety of other Sonnets, that our bard was accustomed to take his early morning-walk near Laura's habitation, to gain a sight of her at her window. Aurora is alluded to in the fifth line, who was wedded to Titlionus, a beautifid youth, for whom she obtained immortality, but whom she could not exempt froni old-age ; the gods therefore in compassion transformed him to a grashopper. SONNET XXXVIII. It would seem probable, that Laura wore her hair, as might be tlie custom of those days, flowing over either shoulder. Lips, and teeth are here poetically denominated roses, and pearls. In the ninth line, allusion is made to the Pythagorean doctrine of the musick of the spheres. 249 SONNET XXXIX. Jn the beginning of this Sonnet the poet evidently had his f.ye upon Virgil. Tu7}i sol pallcntes haud unquam discutit umbras : JNTcc cum invcctus cquis altinn petit cethera ; nee cum Prcccipitem oceani rubra lavit cequore cut rum. ViUG. Georg. 3. SONNET XL. It is pretty closely translated by Sir Thomas Wyat the elder, he names it : Charging of his love as unpiteous, and loving other. Samuel Daniel too had an eye to it in his fifteenth Sonnet to Delia. In the eighth line we readily trace Horace : Ncc tiiictus viola pallor amantium. liOR. Od. 10. Lib. 3. SONNET XLI. Sir William Jones, in the preface to his poetical Trans- lations from the Asiatic languages, observes thus : " Some " of the Persian songs have a striking resemblance to the " Sonnets of Petrarch ; and even the form of those liille " amatory poems was, I believe, brought into Europe by tlie '* Arabians ; one would almost imagine the following lines " to be translated from the Persian, " ylura, che quelle ehiome biondc, e crespe, SjC." ODE VIII. Some pretend, that Petrarch wrote this Canzone as he was passing the river Durance, which he designates, in the last 250 stanza, by the expression dMre onde, and that be meant to send it to Laura, on the next day, at Avignon. The fourth line of the first stanza, and the same of the fifth stanza, are almost literally Virgil's : Quant multa in sylvis aciwn se millia condunf. Georg. 4. ver. 473. tacitcc per arnica silentia lunce. ^NEiD. 2. ver. 255. On the sixth stanza the Abbe de Sade has bestowed a simi- lar comment to that on the same stanza of Ode II, to which the reader may refer. SONxNET XLII. This Sonnet was written on the same occasion as the eighteenth. Herein Petrarch describes the agitation of his mind after parting from Laura, possessed with the idea that some misfortune would happen to her. SONNET XLIII. By fomgOy in the eleventh line, is meant the licentious city of Avignon, where his valued Laura dwelt. As the three last lines in the original are so very obscure, and have been so variously interpreted. I only give the general idea, that fortune, in some one particular instance, was less unkind to our bard. Many pretend that he alludes to a re- conciliation with his mistress, when she cordially took him by the hand j others, that she favourably received from him some 251 poetry he had written her. But, as the Abbe de Sade observes, the reader must form his own conjecture. SONNET XLIV. This is the first of the Sonnets of Petrarch's second Book ; and the succeeding Sonnets, and Odes are from the same. All the poems of that hook were written after Laura's death, and most of them may be considered as so many elegies on the subject. ODE IX. A manuscript copy of this Canzone is said to have been found in Petrarch's own hand writing, wherein he begins it thus: Amor in pianto ogni mio 7-iso c voltOf Ogn allegrezza in doglia, Ed t oscurato il sole a gli occhi miei ; Ogni dolce pensicr del cor m e tolto, E sol ivi una doglia Rimasa m' e dijinir gli anni rei, E di seguir cold. La qual di qua rcdere omai nan spero. He had written in the margin at top : " Nun sat triste prin- cipium:" and below: " Ne quid ultra." After which, it is pre- sumed, he altered the first stanza as it now stands. Our poet's allusions to the doctrines of Platonism cannot escape the intelligent reader, particularly in the fourth stanza, where- in he speaks of the soul as V inxisibil forma. His address in the last line: Vedova scomolata, &c. is quite appropriate, the word Canzone being feminine. Upon the whole, the present 252 poem would remind us of that reasoning on suicide, which oor Shakspeare holds in the celebrated soliloquy of his Hamlet : " To be, or not to be, &c." This one almost verbal version, in blank verse, may serve to give the English reader a more immediate idea of the diction, and phrase of the Tuscan bard : his inimitable expression cannot be rendered in any trans- lation. SONNET XLV. ' It was written on the deaths of Cardinal Colonna, and of Laura; which explains the concetti intended in the first line of the original. These esteemed personages died within three months of each other of the plague, which so ravaged Europe in the year 1348. Sir Thomas Wyat the elder has imitated it under the title of: The lover laments the death of his love. SONNET XLVI. Curious, and interesting is the present Sonnet, in as much as it informs us of a circumstance in Petrarch's life, less touched upon than any other by his biographers, namely, that, after the decease of his beloved Laura, he had nearly engaged in a new amour, which was only interrupted by the death of its fair object. Petrarch first saw Laura 1327. She died 1348, which explains the second line. SONNET XLVII. Parallel passages to the beginning of this Sonnet may be found in many of the ancient poets ; for instance, in Horace, 253 LibiO.. Od. 4. ver. 1 . in Ovid, Amorum, Lib. 1 . Eleg. 8. ver. -t.O- irt Virgil, Giorg. Lib. 3. xer. 06. The port he alludes to, in the twellth line, is either old-age, or the grave, both of which ex- tihguish the turbulent passions. And the lights, in the last line, may either imply his mistress Laura, and bis friend Co- lotma, or the eyes of Laura only. SONNET XLVIIL Written, I will presume, at Vaucluse in the year 1352. It is supposed to be one of those tributary compositions to the memory of his mistress, which, we are told, Petrarch de- lighted to make at the return of spring. See the note to Son- net II. SONNET XLIX. This present, similar in subject to the preceding Sonnet, was evideully composed at Vaucluse. SONNET L. Tassoni says, this Sonnet may rank among those of the very first class. Fondly enihusiastick was the imagination of Petrarch, who fancied that his beloved friend and mistress visited him after death, to warn him against the evils of this life, and prepare him for eternity. SONNET LI. It is hardly necessary to remark, that Aurora is alluded i read poit'V. 124. 12. After /orttia put a comma, and another after nemica, 182. 6. For tesora read tesoro. 196. 1. Dele comma after Anima. 255. 7. Put a comma after tptafc. Printed by W. Pople, 88, Old Bcizcdl Ccurt, Strand. Rl JA m " 'H II r 24139 UC SOUTHERN REOmNAl LIBRARY FACILITY 1158 00246 6711 000 069 911 6 I