Sovra tenere herbette (Claudio Monteverdi)

Italian text

Sovra tenere erbette e bianchi fiori
stava Filli sedendo
ne l'ombra d'un alloro,
quando li dissi: Cara Filli, io moro.
Ed ella a me volgendo
vergognosetta il viso,
frenò frangendo fra le rose il riso
che per gioia dal core
credo ne trasse Amore.
Onde lieta mi disse:
Baciami, Tirsi mio,
che per desir sento morirmi anch'io.

Anon.

English translation

Amongst soft grasses and white flowers
Was Filli sitting in the shade of a laurel tree
When I told her, Darling Filli, I am dying!
Turning to me, all embarrased
And stifling a laugh behind those red lips
(Which, with all my heart’s delight,
I am convinced ensured Love’s blessing),
Said to me with such joy:
Kiss me, my Tirso,
For I also feel as if I am dying with desire!

Charles Marshall.