Pietro Bembo (1470–1547)

Translated by James Glassford, of Dougalston

YE haunts recluse, where pleased I still retreat

From crowds, and live alone, what spell denies

My visit, now that Phœbus in our skies,

Leaving the Twins, has gathered all his heat!

Nowhere so calm and free my heart will beat,

Or thoughts so far above the earth can rise,

Nowhere my spirit, fed with such supplies,

Approaches nearer to its native seat.

How sweet it is in solitude to range

I learned from thee; sweet when the world no more

Distracts us, and our anxious fears are laid.

O wood and stream beloved, might I exchange

This restless ocean and its burning shore

For thy fresh waters and thy verdant shade!