The Infinite

This lonely hill was always dear to me
And this hedge too, that keeps so large a part
Of the ultimate horizon from my view.
But as I sit and gaze, interminable
Spaces beyond it come to mind, unearthly
Silences, and deep, deep quiet – and for
A little while my heart lets go of fear.
And as I listen to the wind storm through
These branches, I compare its voice to that
Infinite silence; and eternity
Comes to my mind, all the dead ages, all
That lives and is, and all its noise. In this
Immensity my thoughts drown, and it is
Sweet to me to be shipwrecked in this sea.

• Giacomo Leopardi