Sharing Petrarch

Petrarch is my favorite poet; let me share.

XXXV
Solo et pensoso i piu deserti campi
vo mesurando a passi tardi et lenti,
et gli occhi porto per fuggire intenti
ove vestigio uman la rena stampi.
Altro schermo non trovo che mi scampi
dal manifesto accorger de le genti,
perche negli atti d’allegrezza spenti
di fuor si legge com’io dentro avampi
Si ch’io mi credo omai che monti et piagge
et fiumi et selve sappian di che tempre
sia la mia vita, ch’e celata altrui;
ma pur si aspre vie ne si selvagge
cercar non so ch’Amor non venga sempre
ragionando con meco, et io con lui.

35
Alone and brooding in deserted fields
I walk with slow and measured steps
With open eyes so I may flee
From human traces in the sand.
I’ve not found other shields to protect me
From the open knowlege of the public
For anyone can instantly notice my happiness gone
By reading from without what burns me from within.
So now I believe that the mountains, shores,
The rivers and deep forests know the temper
Of my life that I hide from others.
But I cannot seek out harsh or savage enough trails
Where I know Love will not find me
Reasoning with me, and I with him