Va, pensiero [English translation]

Fly, thought, on wings of gold,

go settle upon the slopes and the hills

where the sweet airs of our

native soil smell soft and mild!

Greet the banks of the river Jordan

and Zion's tumbled towers.

Oh, my country, so lovely and lost!

Oh remembrance so dear yet unhappy!

Golden harp of the prophetic wise men,

why hang so silently from the willows?

Rekindle the memories in our hearts,

tell us about the times gone by!

Remembering the fate of Jerusalem

play us a sad lament

or else be inspired by the Lord

to fortify us to endure our suffering!