Poet/poetic source: Anonymous poet
Poetic form/text type: madrigal
Music composer: Giovanni Gabrieli (c.1554-1612)
Music source: Il terzo libro de madrigali a5 voci (Gardano press, Venice, 1589)
| Original Italian | Translation |
|
Dimmi, dimmi ben mio, qual è in terra piacer, ch'aguagli al mio, se sol mirando le tue chiare stelle e l'altre parte belle mi levo al ciel con glorioso volo, Quando m'è dato poi di fruir solo quel sommo ben, ch' altrui goder non lice: Dimmi, dimmi ben mio, qual di me in terra è più lieto e felice. |
Tell me, tell me my dear what pleasure is there on earth that equal to mine, if only in gazing upon your two bright stars and the other lovely parts, I soar to the heavens in glorious flight. When it is given to me to enjoy alone that greatest good, that no other is allowed to enjoy, then tell me, tell me my darling, who on earth is more joyful or happy than I. |