A tribute to my town

When I remember the days that saw my early childhood spent on the green shores of a murmurous lagoon; when I remember the coolness, delicious and refreshing, that on my face I felt as I heard Favonius croon;

when I behold the white lily swell to the wind’s impulsion, and that tempestuous element meekly asleep on the sand; when I inhale the dear intoxicating essence the flowers exude when dawn is smiling on the land;

sadly, sadly I recall your visage, precious childhood, which an affectionate mother made beautiful and bright;
I recall a simple town, my comfort, joy and cradle, beside a balmy lake, the seat of my delight.

Ah, yes, my awkward foot explored your sombre woodlands, and on the banks of your rivers in frolic I took part.
I prayed in your rustic temple, a child, with a child’s devotion; and your unsullied breeze exhilarated my heart.

The Creator I saw in the grandeur of your age-old forests; upon your bosom, sorrows were ever unknown to me; while at your azure skies
I gazed, neither love nor tenderness failed me, for in nature lay my felicity.

Tender childhood, beautiful town, rich fountain of rejoicing and of harmonious music that drove away all pain: return to this heart of mine, return my gracious hours, return as the birds return when flowers spring again!

But O goodbye! May the Spirit of Good, a loving gift-giver, keep watch eternally over your peace, your joy, your sleep!
For you, my fervent pryers; for you, my constant desire to learn; and I pray heaven your innocence to keep!