Crystal Dazzle
Would you say you like my translation of this Italian sonnet?
A little closer if my eyes had verged
Upon the light which dazzled them to see
From far away that change in Thessaly,
All changed, my form as well should have emerged.
And if no more my form can be immerged
In hers (no mercy though it sifts for me),
Of such a rigid stone should pensive be
My countenance, not such by carving urged,
Of diamond or of lovely marble cold,
Or white from fear, or jasper crystal, say,
Which avid, vulgar minds do highly grade,
To step outside this yoke, which does not weigh
So harsh on one I envy, spent and old,
Whose shoulders cast Morocco in their shade.
~Francesco Petrarca, Canzoniere 51
Note: Canzoniere 51 is in some sense a natural resting place in the sequence, but I shall return presently. My thanks many fold to all who have read these scribblings so far and so graciously. The second of four large groupings of In Vita is 52-119. In Morte begins at 264 and the sequence ends at 366 for the leap year.
Yes I have enjoyed reading the translation of this Italian sonnet. I have also read Tech's reply to you in order that I have a better understanding. My knowledge is extremely limited but I am learning. I find it helpful reading Tech's responses after I have read the sonnet myself.
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