Non rumor di tamburi o son di trombe
Furon principio a l’amoroso assalto
Ma baci ch’imitavan le colombe
Davan segn’hor di gire hor di far alto
Usam’altr’arme che saett’o frombe
Io senza scale in su la rocca salto
E lo stendardo piantovi di botto
E la nemica mia mi caccio sotto
English translation
No roll of drums, or sound of trumpets
heralded the amorous assault.
But kisses like the billing of doves
give signal now to advance, now to stand firm.
We used weapons other than arrows or slings;
I, without ladder, leap onto the battlements
and at once plant my pennant,
and throw my enemy [feminine] beneath me.
It was not the rattling of the drums, nor the trumpets' clangour
That initiated the attack on Love's citadel
But kisses, as of doves,
Signalling the advance or retire.
We bore arms other than arrows or slingshot;
I storm the keep without a ladder
And cause the colours to be struck.
And I subdue my female opponent.
Italian text
English translation