364. ‘Tenemmi Amor anni ventuno ardendo,’

Love held me burning, twenty-one years,

happy in the fire, and in grief full of hope:

then, when my lady leapt to heaven with

my heart, another ten years, weeping.

Now I’m weary, and reclaim my life

from that error that almost crushed

the seeds of virtue: and, God on high,

I grant my final years devotedly to you:

penitent and sad at my years ill spent,

that should have been put to better use,

in fleeing trouble and finding peace.

Lord, who first imprisoned me in this cell,

release me, save me from eternal harm,

who know my fault, and do not excuse it.