Canzoniere/Poem XV

SONNET Io mi rivolgo indietro a ciascun passo

ON QUITTING LAURA.

With weary frame which painfully I bear, I look behind me at each onward pace, And then take comfort from your native air, Which following fans my melancholy face; The far way, my frail life, the cherish'd fair Whom thus I leave, as then my thoughts retrace, I fix my feet in silent pale despair, And on the earth my tearful eyes abase. At times a doubt, too, rises on my woes, "How ever can this weak and wasted frame   Live from life's spirit and one source afar?" Love's answer soon the truth forgotten shows-- "This high pure privilege true lovers claim,   Who from mere human feelings franchised are!"

MACGREGOR.

I look behind each step I onward trace, Scarce able to support my wearied frame, Ah, wretched me! I pantingly exclaim, And from her atmosphere new strength embrace; I think on her I leave--my heart's best grace-- My lengthen'd journey--life's capricious flame-- I pause in withering fear, with purpose tame, Whilst down my cheek tears quick each other chase. My doubting heart thus questions in my grief: "Whence comes it that existence thou canst know   When from thy spirit thou dost dwell entire?" Love, holy Love, my heart then answers brief: "Such privilege I do on all bestow   Who feed my flame with nought of earthly fire!"

WOLLASTON.

Petrarca - Sonett 15 Cancionero, Atrás me vuelvo a cada paso nuevo Canzoniere (Rerum vulgarium fragmenta)/Io mi rivolgo indietro a ciascun passo