A. Dante: Non piango tanto (I do not grieve so much...)

"I do not grieve so much that I now see her less
that She, who inspires life in me -- but worse
I fear she may disdain my brooding on her
That it may not truly be what she desires
and think that everyone must know
That pictures lacking varnish
Surely fade"  
			so spoke my heart
When sense of being well would fold
More in this strain would lead the mind
From life to death, but often calling back
To tell her "only you can bring me light."

On hearing this, the spirit that love moves
Comes by to comfort me and says
"She will always lead your love whom your love holds."

Dante, Sonnet LXXXVI "Non piango tanto"

Translation © 2026 Jurek Kirakowski