Torquato Tasso: A Play

If I forgive him when he flees the colorful swarm
Of people, and prefers to converse freely in silence
With his own mind,
Still, I cannot praise the fact that he himself
Avoids the circle that his friends form.

Leonore.

If I am not mistaken, you will soon, O Prince,
Transform the reproach into a joyful praise.
I saw him from afar today; he held a book
And a tablet, wrote and walked and wrote,
A fleeting word that he said to me yesterday
Seemed to announce to me his completed work.
He only worries about improving small strokes,
In order to finally present a worthy sacrifice
To your favor, which has granted him so much.

Alphons.

He shall be welcome when he brings it,
And absolved for a long time.
As much as I take part in his work,
As much as in many a sense the great work