280. ‘Mai non fui in parte ove sí chiar vedessi’

There is nowhere where I see so clearly

her whom I wish to see now, and cannot,

nor where I have such freedom for myself,

or can fill the sky with so much grieving:

nor did I ever see a valley so blessed

with places to sigh in and so secret:

nor do I think Love had so sweet a nest

in Cyprus or any other country.

The waters speak of love, the air, the branches,

the little birds, the fish, the flowers, the grass,

all begging me together to love for ever.

But you, true born, that call me from the sky,

with the memory of your bitter death,

pray that I scorn the world, and its sweet bait.