Giambattista Felice Zappi (1667–1719)

Translated by Thomas Le Mesurier

AS toward the Ascrean mount I take my way

Attending Glory at my right I hail;—

She cheers my heart, forbids my strength to fail,

And On, she cries, for I with thee will stay.

But as the long drear wastes our steps delay,

Sudden doth Envy at my left assail,

And says, I too am here:—her lips’ dead pale

Speaks the black poisons on her heart that prey.

What then remains? If back my course I take,

Envy, I know, that instant far is flown;

But then shall Glory too my side forsake.

With both will I the mountain’s topmost height

Resolve to gain: the one my toil shall crown,

The other see it, and fret and burst with spite.