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See that lovely juniper, pressed so hard,
angry winds swirl round her, but she'll not let her leaves fall or scatter; clenched, branches held high, she gathers strength; her refuge within. This, my friend, is a picture of my soul standing firm against all; if life's ravaged, weakened me, my fear's contained, and I win by enduring a pain which makes it hurt to breathe. Mine was a noble dream, sheltered in his splendor and love, my pride would be restored; I would encounter life's bitter battles. Nature taught this tree to resist: in me you see what reason can perform how from the worst evil good can grow. |
An image of the Italian text from Visconti's 1840 edition |
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Notes: From B A2, 25, 68; see also V CXI, 111); not in R, but in MS's L and CASI and in all earlier eds except R (e.g., 1538/9-692, 1540/2-44/6, 1552/9-60, 1760). Translations: Roscoe 112; Lawley 49-50; Jerrold 69-70; Therault 189-90. In this series VC defines herself first in terms of herself alone (in solitude) and then in terms of what she struggles against. Key |
