Erasmo di Valvasone (1523–1593)

Translated by James Glassford, of Dougalston

YE murmuring and fabled currents sweet,

Fairer than crystal, more than crystal pure,

So may the skies regard you, and secure

From the fierce dog-star and his blaze of heat,

Still in these Alps your sparkling courses fleet

No harm betide, nor any cloud obscure,

Nor shepherd swain disturb, nor herd impure,

Nor hostile thing your waters ever meet;

Still may your faithful Naiads wear the crown

Of happy love, and a perennial pride

Wait on your banks, by Flora’s finger wrought,—

If this my faithful look you carry down

Upon the silver bosom of your tide

To her who leads and tempers all my thought.