163. ‘Amor, che vedi ogni pensero aperto’

my sole companion on these harsh roads,

send your gaze to the depths of my heart,

what’s hidden from all others is clear to you.

Know what I’ve suffered following you:

and you still climb by paths from hill to hill,

from day to day, and take no notice of me:

that I’m so weary, and the path’s too steep.

True I see the sweet light in the distance

towards which you spur and whip me harshly,

but unlike you I have no wings to fly.

You leave my longing almost satisfied,

if it is loving well that consumes me,

and if she’s not displeased that for her I sigh.

Notes