Il cuore in corpo mi sento tremare, si fort’è la temenza e la paura, ch’i’ho vedendo madonna in figura, cotanto temo di lei innoiare. E non poria in quel punto parlare: cosí mi si dá meno la natura, ched i’ mi tengo in una gran ventura quand’i’mi posso pur su’ piei fidare. Infino a tanto che non son passato, tutti color, che me veggiono andando, si dicon: —Ve’ colui, ch’è smemorato! — Ed io nulla bestemmia lor ne mando, ch’elli hanno le ragioni dal lor lato, però che ’n ora in or vo tramazzando.
I feel my heart within my bosom beating, So strong within me is the dread and fear, Whenever I come face to face with her, Lest she should be offended by our meeting. Struck dumb am I, without a word of greeting, And so alarmed that I might faint away, I think myself most lucky, I must say, If I don’t topple over while retreating. But as I stumble on like one possessed, All those who see me marvel at the sight And cry: “He’s lost his wits, the crazy clown!” I curse them not, I think restraint is best, For reason certainly would say they’re right, And now and then, it’s true, I tumble down.