140. ‘Amor, che nel pensier mio vive et regna’

Love that lives and reigns in my thought

and holds the central place in my heart,

sometimes comes to my brow fully armed,

takes his stand there, and sets up his banner.

She who teaches love and suffering,

and wishes great desire and burning hope

to be restrained by reason, reverence, shame,

is angered in herself by our ardour.

Then Love retreats in fear to the heart,

relinquishing his aim, trembles, weeps:

hides himself there, and no more appears.

What can I do, now my lord’s afraid,

but stay with him until the final hour?

For he ends well, who dies loving well.