Venice -The Little Boat

La note è bela Fa presto, o Nineta Andemo in barcheta I freschi a ciapar! A Toni g’ho dito Ch’el felze el ne cave Per goder sta bava Che supia dal mar Ah! Che gusto contarsela Soleti in laguna E al chiaro de luna Sentirse a vogar! Ti pol de la ventola Far senza, o mia cara Chè zefiri a gara Te vol sventolar Ah! Se gh’è tra de lori Chi tropo indiscreto Volesse dal pèto EI velo strapar No bada a ste frotole Soleti za semo E Toni el so’ remo Lè a tento a menar Ah!

It’s a beautiful night Come quickly Ninetta Let’s go in the boat To take the fresh air. I have told Toni To row to the cave: We’ll rejoice in the breezes Blown in from the wave. Ah! What joy to describe it! Alone, the lagoon, The sound of his rowing, The light of the moon. And as for your fan, No need of it here: The zephyrs will hasten To fan you, my dear. Ah! If there is among them One too indiscreet Who’d wish from your bosom The cover to tear, Don’t heed such tall tales, We’re alone, no-one’s there, And Toni our oarsman Shall guide us with care. Ah!