SONG FROM THE ITALIAN OF P. ROLLI.

Babbling current, would you know

Why I turn to thee again,

'Tis to find relief from woe,

Respite short from ceaseless pain.

I and Sylvio on a day

Were upon thy bank reclin'd,

When dear Sylvio swore to me,

And thus spoke in accents kind:

First this flowing tide shall turn

Backward to its fountain head,

Dearest nymph, ere thou shall mourn,

Thy too easy faith betray'd.

Babbling current, backward turn,

Hide thee in thy fountain head;

For alas, I'm left to mourn

My too easy faith betray'd.

Love and life pursu'd the swain,

Both must have the self-same date,

But mine only he could mean,

Since his love is turn'd to hate.

Sure some fairer nymph than I,

From me lures the lovely youth,

Haply she receives like me,

Vows of everlasting truth.

Babbling current should the fair

Stop to listen on thy shore,

Bid her, Sylvio, to beware,

Love and truth he oft had sworn.