Amina Boschetti

Amina bounds... is startled... whirls and smiles. The Belgian says, "That's fraud, a pure deceit. As for your woodland nymphs, I know the wiles Only of those on Brussels' Market Street." From shapely foot and lively, laughing eye Amina spills light elegance and wit. The Belgian says, "Be gone, ye joys that fly! My wife's attractions have more merit." Oh, you forget, nymph of the winsome stance, That though you'd teach an elephant to dance, Teach owls new melodies, make dull birds shine, All glimmering grace brings but a Belgian sneer: Bacchus himself could pour bright southern wine, This Boor would say, "Give me thick Brussels beer." Translated by - Kenneth O. Hanson