U Lamentu di Filicone [English translation]

I want to employ the muse

to make a couple of songs.

I find myself in the hills

and I live in Albitrone,

I’m sad and disconsolate

since Filicone1is dead.

I built for him a cemetery

all fenced by big walls.

For the workforce I spent

nothing but a few coins,

not to mention the rest

and also all the wreaths.

I made for him a coffin

all padded with leaves,

then I laid his head

on a feather pillow.

I don’t want to do like those

who throw them into a river.

1. The name of a dog.