Torquato Tasso (1544–1595)

Translated by James Glassford, of Dougalston

AH! wherefore sigh for him who sighs not too?

And love where love again will never grow?

Why should these bitter tears incessant flow,

While not one drop has wet the cheek for you?

Why pale for him that keeps his wonted hue?

Why in your eye such beams of pleasure glow,

While still you turn to one averted so,

And gaze intent, with passion ever new?

If love, at will of others, lives or dies,

Let this thy unrequited flame expire,

And dim with grief no more these radiant eyes:

Let absence change thy tender heart to stone;

Or, if it must be kindled, let the fire

Light in thy breast, but not in thine alone.