My Virtual Reading Room

Without and Within
Pietro Metastasio (1698–1782)

Anonymous translation from the Italian

IF every man’s internal care
Were written on his brow,
How many would our pity share
Who raise our envy now?

The fatal secret, when revealed,
Of every aching breast,
Would prove that only while concealed
Their lot appeared the best.

(Bliss Carman, et al., eds. The World’s Best Poetry. Volume VI. Fancy. 1904. Poems of Sentiment: II. Life)
(from bartleby.com)

Originally posted by kavery at Вечерняя сказка