WHEREIN HE CONFIDES TO HIS FRIEND HIS LADY'S VARIABLENESS AND HIS DESPAIR

To you, Sennuccio, would I declare
What sad uncertainties, what griefs I find:
I flame — and though to Laura's moods resigned,
In me there is no changing anywhere.
First all humility, then here and there;
Now meek, now haughty; cruel now, now kind;
Soft as a brooding dove she speaks her mind;
Then flash her eyes with lights that flay the air.
Here would she sweetly sing, there sit awhile;
Here press her step, and there her step reprove;
Here her bright eyes my heart at mercy move;
Here would she warmly speak, there softly smile;
Here darkly frown: such ups and downs dismay
By day, by night; Love lords it night and day!