Translation of Povoleri’s Sonnet

Introduction by Hester Thrale

Here’s a pretty Sonnet of Povoleri’s; I must translate it. over the Page we shall see another Sonnet, written by the Abbate Buondelmonte: I live with the Italians till I run mad after their Literature, their Talents &c. This Povoleri is a clever Fellow— gran Minchion however as Piozzi says.

Spesso Amor sot to la Forma
D’ Amistá ride e s’asconde,
Poi si mischia & si confonde
Col Dispetto & col Rancor:
In pietade si trasforma,
Par trastullo, & par Diletto,
Ma nel suo diverso Aspetto
Sempr’ egli e lo stesso Amor.

When lurking Love in Ambush lies
Under Friendship’s fair Disguise;
When he wears an angry Mien,
Imitating Spite or Spleen;
When like Sorrow he seduces,
When like Pleasure he amuses;
Still howe’er the Parts are cast,
’Tis but lurking Love at last.

Translated by Hester Lynch Thrale.
Thraliana entry dated 21 January 1782. Hester Thrale's spelling, grammar and capitalisation, some of which may not conform to today's standards, are reproduced faithfully throughout.