98. ‘Orso, al vostro destrier si pò ben porre’

Orso, you can easily bridle your warhorse,

so that you can restrain his course again:

but who can tie your heart, so it can’t break free,

if you love honour and loathe its contrary?

Don’t sigh: no one can take your worth

from you, even if you’re prevented from going:

since as public knowledge is aware,

your heart’s there, and no other’s before it.

Enough that it will be found in the field

on the appointed day, beneath the armour

that time, love, virtue and blood have given,

calling out: ‘I’m filled with noble desire

as is my lord, who could not follow me,

and is sick and languishes, not being here.’

Note: Addressed to Orso dell’ Anguillara on his being unable to attend a tournament.