Vi. _Invective Against The People Of Pistoja._ Poem by Michelangelo Buonarroti
Vi. _Invective Against The People Of Pistoja._
I' l' ho, vostra mercè.
I've gotten it, thanks to your courtesy;
And I have read it twenty times or so:
Thus much may your sharp snarling profit you,
As food our flesh filled to satiety.
After I left you, I could plainly see
How Cain was of your ancestors: I know
You do not shame his lineage, for lo,
Your brother's good still seems your injury.
Envious you are, and proud, and foes to heaven;
Love of your neighbour still you loathe and hate,
And only seek what must your ruin be.
If to Pistoja Dante's curse was given,
Bear that in mind! Enough! But if you prate
Praises of Florence, 'tis to wheedle me.
A priceless jewel she:
Doubtless: but this you cannot understand:
For pigmy virtue grasps not aught so grand.
This poem has not been translated into any other language yet.
I would like to translate this poem
Delivering Poems Around The World
Poems are the property of their respective owners. All information has been reproduced here for educational and informational purposes to benefit site visitors, and is provided at no charge...
4/24/2024 8:11:35 PM # 1.0.0.1119
Michelangelo Buonarroti - Rime 71. I' l'ho, vostra mercè, per ricevuto I’ l’ho, vostra mercè, per ricevuto e hollo letto delle volte venti. Tal pro vi facci alla natura i denti, co’ ’l cibo al corpo quand’egli è pasciuto. I’ ho pur, poi ch’i’ vi lasciai, saputo5 che Cain fu de’ vostri anticedenti, né voi da quel tralignate altrimenti; ché, s’altri ha ben, vel pare aver perduto. Invidiosi, superbi, al ciel nimici, la carità del prossimo v’è a noia,10 e sol del vostro danno siete amici. Se ben dice il Poeta di Pistoia, istieti a mente, e basta; e se tu dici ben di Fiorenza, tu mi dai la soia. Qual prezïosa gioia15 è certo, ma per te già non si intende, perché poca virtù non la comprende.