76. ‘Amor con sue promesse lusignando’

led me back to my ancient prison,

and gave the keys to my enemy

who still keeps me in exile from myself.

I did not realise it, alas, until it truly

happened, and now with great toil

(who’d believe it though I speak on oath?)

I regain my liberty with sighs.

And like a truly close-kept prisoner

I carry the marks of chains on my limbs,

and eye and forehead spell what’s in my heart.

When you are aware of my pallor,

you’ll say: ‘If I see and judge correctly,

this man was not far away from death.’

Notes