78. ‘Quando giunse a Simon l’alto concetto’

When Simone had matched the high concept

I had in mind with the design beneath his hand,

if he had given to this noble work

intelligence and voice with the form,

he would have eased my heart of many sighs,

that make what’s dearer to others vile to me:

since she’s revealed to the sight, so humble,

promising peace to me in her aspect.

But when I come to speak with her,

benignly though she seems to listen,

her response to me is still lacking.

Pygmalion, what delight you had

from your creation, since the joy I wish

but once, you possessed a thousand times.