mythology

Alda Merini – Sono nata il ventuno a primavera / I was born in spring the twentyone

Lawrence Alma-Tadema, Summer offering, 1911 I was born in spring the twentyone not knowing that to be born insane, to open the turfs a tempest could unchain. And thus gentle Proserpina sees rain fall upon the grasses, upon the large gentle grains and always weeps at night. Perhaps it is her prayer. (Transl. by Ercole …

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Francesco Petrarca (Petrarch)- Non al suo amante piú Diana piacque / Diana was never more pleasing

Andrea Schiavone, Diana and Actaeon, 1559 Diana was never more pleasing to her lover, when, by a stroke of fate, he saw her naked, shown in the deep pool of icy water, than I was by the mountain shepherdess, standing there to wash her delightful veil, that keeps blonde, lovely hair from the wind’s stress, …

Francesco Petrarca (Petrarch)- Non al suo amante piú Diana piacque / Diana was never more pleasing Read More »

Francesco Petrarca (Petrarch)- Zephyr returns / Zephiro torna, e ‘l bel tempo rimena

John William Waterhouse, Windswept, 1902 Zephyr returns and brings fair weather, and the flowers and herbs, his sweet family, and Procne singing and Philomela weeping, and the white springtime, and the vermilion. The meadows smile, and the skies grow clear: Jupiter is joyful gazing at his daughter: the air and earth and water are filled …

Francesco Petrarca (Petrarch)- Zephyr returns / Zephiro torna, e ‘l bel tempo rimena Read More »