Petrarch, "Alone and Thoughtful"

Solo e pensoso i più deserti campi
vo misurando a passi tardi e lenti,
e gl'occhi porto per fuggir intenti
dove vestigio human l'arena stampi.
Altro schermo non trovo che mi scampi
dal manifesto accorger de le genti,
perché ne gl'atti d'allegrezza spenti
di fuor si legge com' io dentr'avampi.
Sì ch'io mi cred' homai che monti e piagge
e fiumi e selve sappian di che tempre
sia la mia vita, ch'è celata altrui,
ma pur sì aspre vie né si selvagge
cercar non so, ch'Amor non venga sempre
ragionando con meco, et io con lui.

My translation:

Alone and thoughtful, the deserted fields
I measure with steps tardy and slow
And with my eyes I scan, intent to flee
Wherever vestiges of humanity mark the scene
I find no other route to escape
From the oppressive attention of people;
Because in my acts, spent of joy,
From outside one can read how inside I blaze
Yes I believe that now the mountains and shores
And rivers and woods know of what temper
Is my life, my life that is hidden from others,
While on such wild and bitter streets
I don't know how to seek,
that love that won't always come
Reasoning with me, and I with him

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