Ohimé ch`io cado
Alas for me, I tumble down, alas for me,
my foot slips again
just as it did before.
and my lost
and withering hope
must I
once again water
with fresh tears.
Of this old passion
I again feel
in my heart,
now that a beautiful face has broken,
as well as the loved glances
the hard enamel of these icy thoughts
with which I, the unfortunate
have armed myself.
I was fool enough to think
I should have a sure shield
against the naked archer.
and yet I who am so warrior-like,
what a coward I am
I will not endure
the enticing blow
of a single glance.
O immortal champion
I am angry how so weak
You are fleeing;
like an enchanted man who has lost his way
in glass armour, you have led me
disloyal one against a sword
made of hard diamond.
How powerfully punishes
tyrannous love the daring
of a rebellious soul,
a kind word. a serene face, a charming wonderment
can tie again
a liberated heart.
Eyes, beauteous eyes if for you
virtue has always been fair,
and mercy true
Oh, do not deny me
the glance and the laughter;
so that my prison
on such a beautiful ground
should become a paradise.
trans. Maria Steiner
CD booklet, Il combattimento di Tancredi e Clorinda, Madrigals
Hungaroton 1988 HCD 12952
Theory of Music 
wonderful translation! I am Italian and I wouldn’t be able to write such a good translation into modern italian, let alone into English. thanks for publishing it here.
‘Alma rubella’ into ‘ rebellious soul’ must be a stroke of genius. I would have thought rubella would translate into ‘shy’ (rubella = red). thanks
Ohh, thank you so much! It really helped me out. The thing about this madrigal is that’s even nicer to sing it than just listening to it. I’ve studied Latin for a few years now, and that combined with your translation really helped me to understand the poem. Thanks so much again!
Thanks for your comment and I’m glad you found the post helpful. However, the translation isn’t mine, I’ve just posted it.
fran you I agree with you. Rubella means “red” in rappresentation of shyness. good translation.