D' altrui pietoso.
Kind to the world, but to itself unkind,
A worm is born, that dying noiselessly
Despoils itself to clothe fair limbs, and be
In its true worth by death alone divined.
Oh, would that I might die, for her to find
Raiment in my outworn mortality!
That, changing like the snake, I might be free
To cast the slough wherein I dwell confined!
Nay, were it mine, that shaggy fleece that stays,
Woven and wrought into a vestment fair,
Around her beauteous bosom in such bliss!
All through the day she'd clasp me! Would I were
The shoes that bear her burden! When the ways
Were wet with rain, her feet I then should kiss!
Michelangelo Buonarroti - Rime (XVI secolo) 94. D'altrui pietoso e sol di sé spietato D’altrui pietoso e sol di sé spietato nasce un vil bruto, che con pena e doglia l’altrui man veste e la suo scorza spoglia e sol per morte si può dir ben nato. Così volesse al mie signor mie fato5 vestir suo viva di mie morta spoglia, che, come serpe al sasso si discoglia, pur per morte potria cangiar mie stato. O fussi sol la mie l’irsuta pelle che, del suo pel contesta, fa tal gonna10 che con ventura stringe sì bel seno, ch’i’ l’are’ pure il giorno; o le pianelle che fanno a quel di lor basa e colonna, ch’i’ pur ne porterei duo nevi almeno.
This poem has not been translated into any other language yet.
I would like to translate this poem
Can someone please explain.. thanks!