Explore "Poi Che Mia Speme E Lunga a Venir Troppo" by Francesco Petrarca on Textopian. Read with annotations and highlights.
HE COUNSELS LOVERS TO FLEE, RATHER THAN BE CONSUMED BY THE FLAMES OF / LOVE.
Since my hope's fruit yet faileth to arrive, / And short the space vouchsafed me to survive, / Betimes of this aware I fain would be, / Swifter than light or wind from Love to flee: / And I do flee him, weak albeit and lame / O' my left side, where passion racked my frame.
Though now secure yet bear I on my face / Of the amorous encounter signal trace.
Wherefore I counsel each this way who comes, / Turn hence your footsteps, and, if Love consumes, / Think not in present pain his worst is done; / For, though I live, of thousand scapes not one! / 'Gainst Love my enemy was strong indeed -- / Lo! from his wounds e'en she is doom'd to bleed.
MACGREGOR.