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Cantavan quattro legiadrette Ninfe,
in sì soavi accenti
ch'acquetarono il mar fermar i venti
quando appresso le belle
Damon s'assise,
e raddoppiò i concenti,
spargend'il suon in queste parti e'n quelle.
Onde io per meglio udire
così grata armonia,
v'accorsi vidi m'altro desire;
Sento da quel de pria
che libero v'andai preso ritorno
dal dolce canto d'una Ninfa adorno.
English translation
Four graceful nymphs were singing
in such sweet tones
so as to calm the seas, to still the winds;
When near the beautiful ones
Damon seated himself, and redoubled their harmony
spreading the sound far and wide.
Thus I, the better to hear
such pleasant harmony,
I rushed there, and saw nothing else I evermore desired:
I went freely, but I return captive,
of the sweet song of a beautiful Nymph.
Italian text
English translation