Francesco Petrarca (1304–1374)

Translated by Thomas Wentworth Higginson
Dicemi spesso il mio fidato speglio

OFT by my faithful mirror I am told,

And by my mind outworn and altered brow,

My earthly powers impaired and weakened now,—

“Deceive thyself no more, for thou art old!”

Who strives with Nature’s laws is over-bold,

And Time to his commandments bids us bow.

Like fire that waves have quenched, I calmly vow

In life’s long dream no more my sense to fold.

And while I think, our swift existence flies,

And none can live again earth’s brief career,—

Then in my deepest heart the voice replies

Of one who now has left this mortal sphere,

But walked alone through earthly destinies,

And of all women is to fame most dear.