Signor chi n’esporrà gli alti tuoi modi
Come l’huom basso inalzi e l’alto inchini
Ben che senza ragion nessun destini
A dolor a piacer a biasmo a lodi
Forse perchè cosí mostrar ti godi
Esser del mondo i bei fior matutini
Ratto a languir ratto a cader vicini
Anzi non fior ma ricoperte frodi.
O pur perchè dobbiam noi reverenti
Creder che l’opre tue sian giuste e belle
E viver sol del tuo voler contenti
Comunque sian diró che in questo e in quelle
Ch’a te sol s’accostiam chiaro argomenti
Poi che tu stabil sei varie son elle.
English translation
Oh Lord, who will reveal your holy ways,
How You raise the common man, and make the high man bow down,
Though You do not destine anyone without reason
To pain, joy, blame and praises.
Maybe because you enjoy showing how
The beautiful morning flowers
Are quick to languish and quick to fall,
Nay, not flowers, but covered frauds.
Or because we must believe with deference
That your works are just and beautiful
And that we will live happily only of your will.
Be that as it may, I will say that in these and those
You reason in a clear way, and we get close to you only,
Because you are unchangeable, and they are changeable.
Italian text
English translation