Or vedi, Amor, che giovinetta donna (Luca Marenzio)
General Information
Title: Or vedi, Amor, che giovinetta donna
Composer: Luca Marenzio
Lyricist: Francesco Petrarca
Number of voices: 4vv Voicing: SATB
Genre: Secular, Madrigal
Language: Italian
Instruments: a cappella
Published: Madrigali a 4 voci libro primo, 1585
External websites:
Original text and translations
Italian text
Or vedi, Amor, che giovenetta donna
tuo regno sprezza, et del mio mal non cura,
et tra duo ta' nemici è sí secura.
Tu se' armato, et ella in treccie e 'n gonna
si siede, et scalza, in mezzo i fiori et l'erba,
ver' me spietata, e 'n contra te superba.
I' son pregion; ma se pietà anchor serba
l'arco tuo saldo, et qualchuna saetta,
fa di te et di me, signor, vendetta.
English translation by A. S. Kline
Now you see, Love, that this young lady
scorns your rule, and cares nothing for my hurt,
and feels safe between two of her enemies.
You are armed, and she in loose hair and gown
sits barefoot amongst the flowers and grass,
pitiless towards me, and proud towards you.
I'm imprisoned: but if there's mercy still,
raise your bow, and with a few arrows
take vengeance, my lord, for me and you.