1
Poetic
So, which guy will I give my charming book to,
only just out the publisher’s, it’s brand new?
Well, Cornelius, that would have to be you,
since you think something of my little nothings.
Even then, when you dared - you brave Italian! -
in three books to explain the whole of history!
They were wordy, my god! they took you ages!
So, take this, just a something of my small book,
as it is, and you bet, (oh patron muses!)
this will last more than one forever-cycle.
Literal
Who am I giving my charming little book to,
which has just been polished with dry pumice?
Cornelius, [I am giving it] to you, because you used to
think that my nothings were something.
Even then, when you dared, as one single Italian,
to explain all time in three books,
which were learned, by Jupiter!, and took a lot of work.
For this reason, have yourself something of this little book,
however it is, which - oh patron muse -
shall last more than one endless age.
Next poem: 2: sparrow, fluttery darling of my darling