Cecco Angiolieri (c.1260-1312) Quando Ner Picciolin—Sonnet 103

"When Picciolini got back here from France"

When Picciolini got back here from France,
the man was such hot stuff with all his cash
that people seemed to him like little mice.
He treated us with mockery and jest:
he used to say—"I hope that some mischance
befalls my next-door neighbors and the rest
because, compared with me, they're all such trash,
I really have to try hard to be nice!"

This genius now has come to such a pass
that even humble neighbors think it best
not to give our friend the time of day.
Before the year's out you can bet your ass
he'll be so thankful that he'll say— "God bless"—
for any piece of bread that comes his way.

*

translation©2001 Leonard Cottrell

main index for rhymed translations

Quando Ner Picciolin tornò di Francia,
era sì caldo de' molti fiorini,
che li uomin li parean topolini,
e di ciascun si facea beff'e ciancia.
Ed usava di dir: — Mala mescianza
possa venir a tutti mie' vicini,
quand'e' son appo me sì picciolini,
che mi fuora disnor la lor usanza! —

Or è per lo su' senn'a' tal condotto,
che non ha neùn sì picciol vicino,
che non si disdegnasse farli motto.
Ond'io mettere' 'l cuor per un fiorino
che, anzi che passati sien mesi otto,
s'egli avrà pur del pan, dirà: — Bonino!

*