18. ‘Quan’io son tutto vòlto in quella parte’

where my lady’s lovely face shines,

and that light leaves me not a thought

while I burn and melt away inside,

I fear lest my heart parts from my self,

and seeing the end of my light nearing,

I go like a blind man, without light,

who knows no way to go, but must depart.

I receive so many deadly blows

I flee: but not so quickly that desire

does not come with me as is his wont.

I go silently, since one deadly word

would make men weep: and I desire

that my tears might be shed alone.

Notes