On His Return to Italy from the Spanish Embassy

Hail, dear region of my birth, Care of Heaven and pride of earth, Sweetest seats of Venus, vale, Rock, wood, mountain, hail, all hail! Oh with what deep joy I view, Gaze at, traverse, talk to you, After such laborious hours, Mental toils and wasted powers! How at sight of you each care And vexation melts in air! Never may the virgin Graces Look in other shady places For shy streams to bathe in, ne'er Braid with other flowers their hair, Than the ones so sweet and dear Which I taste so freshly here!