85. ‘Io amai sempre, at amo forte anchora’

I’ve always loved, and I love deeply still,

and love that sweet place more, from day

to day, where I’m often forced to return

weeping, whenever Love deceives me.

And I’m deep in love with that day and hour

when all base cares were swept from round me:

and love her more, whom a lovely face adorns,

loving to do good following her example.

But who’d think to see those sweet enemies

I love so much, combined together to attack

my heart, on this side and on that?

Love, with what forces now you conquer me!

And had not my hope grown with my desire,

I’d drop down dead where I most wish to live.