Parlo, misero, o taccio?

General information

Author: Giovanni Battista Guarini, 1598 in Rime. Madrigal 54, "Amante poco ardito" (A lover lacking courage)

Settings by composers

• Antonio Cifra SSATB
• Scipione Dentice SATTB
• Sigismondo d'India SATTB
• Claudio Monteverdi SSB
• Benedetto Pallavicino SAATB
• Tomaso Pecci SSATB
• Enrico Radesca SB

Text and translations

Italian text Parlo, misero, o taccio? S’io taccio, che soccorso havrà il morire? S’io parlo, che perdono havrà l’ardire? Taci: che ben s’intende Chiusa fiamma talor da chi l’accende. Parla in me la pietate, Parla in lei la beltate; E dice quel bel volto al crudo core, Chi può mirarmi, e non languir d’amore?

English translation Should I, poor wretch, speak out or hold my tongue? If I keep silence, will death ease my troubles? If I speak, will boldness be forgiven? Stay silent! For a smothered flame is clear indeed to he who lit the fire; I heed the promptings of mercy, she heeds the promptings of beauty, and the handsome face says to the stony heart: who can see me and not pine for love?