Vita de la mia vita,
Tu mi somigli pallidetta oliva
O rosa scolorita;
Nè di beltà sei priva,
Ma in ogni aspetto tu mi sei gradita,
O lusinghiera o schiva;
E se mi segui o fuggi
Soavemente mi consumi e struggi.
         
                               Torquato Tasso (1544-1595)

Life of my life,
You are to me like a pallid olive
Or a fading rose;
Nor are you deprived of beauty,
But in every way you please me,
Whether you flatter or shun;
And whether you follow me or flee
Softly you consume and melt me.

                            (English translation by William Hawley)