Italian Poetry Quotes

“Many a time the thought returns to me:
What sad conditions Love on me bestows!
And moved by Pity I say frequently:
'Can there be anyone who my state knows?'
For Love takes hold of me so suddenly
My vital spirits I am near to lose.
One only of them all survives in me,
Staying to speak of you, as Love allows.
To aid me then my forces I renew
And pallid, all my courage drained long since,
I come to you to remedy my plight;
But if I raise my eyes to look at you
So vast a tremor in my heart begins
My beating pulses put my soul to flight.”
― Dante Alighieri, La Vita Nuova

“So long have I been subject to Love's sway
And grown accustomed to his mastery That where at first his rule seemed harsh to me
Sweet is his presence in my heart today.
Thus when all fortitude he takes away,
So that my frail spirits seem to flee,
Then I am lost in sweetness utterly
And pallid looks my fainting soul display.
Love marshals then against me all his might;Routed, my spirits wander, murmuring,
And to my lady bring
Petition for new solace in my plight.
Thus by her merest glance I am unmanned,
And pride so humbled, none could understand. ”
― Dante Alighieri, La Vita Nuova

“Italy is not so much a country, but an epic poem continuously being written.”
― Pietros Maneos