334. ‘S’omesto amor pò meritar mercede,’

If honest love can merit a reward,

and Mercy still can do as she used to do,

I’ll be rewarded, since my loyalty,

to my lady and the world, is clear as the sun.

She was afraid of me, now she knows

(not merely believes) that what I wish now

is what I always wished: then she heard words

or saw my look, now she sees my heart and mind.

And I hope at last she grieves in heaven,

at my endless sighs, and so it seems,

turning towards me so full of pity:

and I hope that when my remains are buried

she’ll come for me, with those of our people,

she, the true friend of Christ and Virtue.