Lassare il velo o per sole o per ombra,
donna, non vi vid’io
poi che in me conosceste il gran desio
ch’ogni altra voglia d’entr’al cor mi sgombra.
Mentr’io portava i be’ pensier’ celati,
ch’ànno la mente desïando morta,
vidivi di pietate ornare il volto;
ma poi ch’Amor di me vi fece accorta,
fuor i biondi capelli allor velati,
et l’amoroso sguardo in sé raccolto.
Quel ch’i’ piú desïava in voi m’è tolto:
sí mi governa il velo
che per mia morte, et al caldo et al gielo,
de’ be’ vostr’occhi il dolce lume adombra.
Canzoniere 11
English translation
I have not seen you, lady,
remove your veil in sun or shadow,
because you knew my great desire
that dispels all other wishes from my heart.
While I held concealed the thoughts
that cause the mind to desire death,
I saw your face don compassion;
but as soon as Love warned you of my presence,
the veil came to hide your blonde hair,
and the lovely countenance drew inwards.
What I cherished most from you is taken from me:
the veil has such power over me
that to my death, be it because of the heat, or of the cold,
it shades the sweet light of your pretty eyes.