INGIUSTISSIMO AMOR | INEQUITABLE LOVE |
Lodovico Ariosto | tr. Peter Dean |
Ingiustissimo amor, perche si raro Corrispondenti fai nostri desiri? Onde, perfid', advien che t'e si caro Il discorde voler ch'in dui cor miri? Ir non mi lassi al facil guad' e chiaro, Et nel piu ciec' a maggior fondo tiri: Da chi desia'l mio amor tu mi richiami Et chi m'ha in odio vuoi ch'adori et ami. |
Inequitable Love, why so rarely Do you answer to our fervent wish? How comes it, traitor, it's so dear to you, unfairly, In two discordant hearts to witness anguish? You keep me back from where the water covers barely And drop me in deep where it does not diminish: From the one who wants my love you hold me at bay And seek to have me worship one who hates me every way. |
Trans. Copyright © Peter Dean 2004