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Foscolo, Ugo: Self-portrait (Autoritratto in English)

Portre of Foscolo, Ugo

Autoritratto (Italian)

   Solcata ho fronte, occhi incavati intenti,

crin fulvo, emunte guance, ardito aspetto,

labbro tumido acceso, e tersi denti,

capo chino, bel collo, e largo petto;

   giuste membra; vestir semplice eletto,

ratti i passi, i pensier, gli atti, gli accenti;

sobrio, umano, leal, prodigo, schietto;

avverso al mondo, avversi a me gli eventi.

   talor di lingua, e spesso di man prode;

mesto i più giorni e solo, ognor pensoso,

pronto, iracondo, inquieto, tenace:

   di vizi ricco e di virtù, do lode

alla ragion, ma corro ove al cor piace:

morte sol mi darà fama e riposo.



Uploaded byP. T.
Source of the quotationhttp://www.parafrasando

Self-portrait (English)

   Lined forehead, deep-set watchful eyes below

A crop of fulvid hair ; thin cheeks ; a keen,

Bold bearing ; full and humorous lips, though slow

To mirth; bowed head, broad chest, fine neck between

   Straight limbs ; in dress, taste elegant but plain ;

Steps, thoughts, acts, words, hasty to a degree ;

Prodigal, sober, honest, blunt, humane ;

Adverse to life and life adverse to me :

   Mournful most days and lone, immersed in thought

Incredulous in hope and fear the same ;

Love makes me cowardly, and anger brave ;

   Reason with caution prompts me, but distraught

My heart, so vile and virtuous, doth rave.

O Death, 'tis thou wilt give me rest and fame !



Uploaded byP. T.
Source of the quotationhttp://www.ebooksread.com/authors-eng

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