Cino da Pistoia (1270–1336?)

Translated by Warburton Pike

‘WHY sighest thou?’ Ah! ask not why;

But late the tidings I have known,

And all my wishes shattered lie:

She whom I love, from earth has flown,

And I am left behind, to sigh,

To see her ne’er, to live alone:

My sad life ending, death draws nigh;

That, now to me, my heart has shown.

My eyes have lost their only light;

On ladies they henceforth no more

Can gaze, their one poor joy the sight

Of that dear house, that well-known door,

Where they went oft, ere came the night

To her, for whom my tears now pour.