Canzoniere
by Petrarch, translated by unknown translator
Poem XIX
185466Canzoniere — Poem XIXunknown translatorPetrarch

SONNET
Son animali al mondo di si altera

HE COMPARES HIMSELF TO A MOTH.

      Creatures there are in life of such keen sight
    That no defence they need from noonday sun,
    And others dazzled by excess of light
    Who issue not abroad till day is done,
    And, with weak fondness, some because 'tis bright,
    Who in the death-flame for enjoyment run,
    Thus proving theirs a different virtue quite--
    Alas! of this last kind myself am one;
    For, of this fair the splendour to regard,
    I am but weak and ill--against late hours
    And darkness gath'ring round--myself to ward.
    Wherefore, with tearful eyes of failing powers,
    My destiny condemns me still to turn
    Where following faster I but fiercer burn.

    MACGREGOR.