Works vol. 2 (poetry)

II - COMMENTARY ON SOME OF HIS SONNETS

and [even if] the subject matter were worthy enough in itself, having written and made mention of it in our mother tongue and the vernacular original: "lingua nostra materna e volgare"; at this time, Italian was often viewed as inferior to Latin for serious intellectual work., which—in places where it is spoken and understood—does not seem to escape a certain baseness for being so common; and in those places where there is no knowledge of it, it cannot be understood. Thus, in this regard, this work and our labor seem entirely in vain, as if it had never been done.

These three difficulties have until now delayed what I had proposed a long time ago: namely, the present interpretation. At present, I have nevertheless resolved—conquered, in my opinion, by better reasons—to put it into effect, thinking that if this meager effort of mine is of some value and pleasing to someone, it will be well placed and not entirely in vain. And even if it should find little grace, it will be little read and disparaged by few; and, not being very durable, the reprimand I might incur will likewise be short-lived.

And, responding for now to the first reason and to those who might wish to label me as presumptuous in any way, I say that to me it does not seem like presumption to interpret my own things, but rather taking the burden off others. Indeed, no office is more appropriate for interpreting than that of the person who has written the work, because no one can better know or choose the truth of his own meaning. This is clearly shown by the confusion that arises from the variety of commentaries original: "comenti"; Lorenzo is likely thinking of the endless and often contradictory medieval commentaries on Dante or classical authors., in which, more often than not, the commentators follow their own nature rather than the true intention of the one who wrote. Nor does it seem to me by this argument that I hold too high an account of myself or take away the judgment of others. For I believe it is the true duty of every man to perform all things for the benefit of humanity, whether for his own sake or that of others.

And, because not everyone is born capable of performing those things which are held in the highest regard in the world, one must measure oneself and see in which ministry one can best serve the human race and exercise oneself in that. This is because a single thing cannot satisfy both the diversity of human intellects original: "ingegni umani"; the specific creative and intellectual capacities of an individual. and the necessities of our life, even if it were the first and most excellent work men could do. On the contrary, it seems that contemplation, which without controversy is the first and most excellent . . . .