Guido Cavalcanti (1255–1300)

Translated by Warburton Pike

IF you, my Dante (this I pray

You much), see Love with Lapo near,

Take heed, and then if Love you hear

Call Lapo lover, write and say;—

And tell me, if his lady’s sway

Seem kind, and he in guise appear

Of gallant, since such folk, I fear,

When tired of work, at loving play!

You know, when in his court Love reigns

No one can serve, but he who’s true,

A lady who is wandering there;—

And if his patience favour gains,

The marks of that are known to you,

Your style, and mine, the emblems bear.