Amarilli

I well remember stumbling across an old Italian art song entitled Amarilli, by Giullio Caccini, 1601. It is a plaintive but lovely song, written in the bel canto style. Such songs are to be sung very smoothly and gently, but the final rendition may vary due to the singer's interpretation. Most singers have to learn it as standard vocal pedagogy. I used to sing it in big hollow buildings where it would echo and resound.
It is about a beautiful woman named Amarrilli whose heart is written on his heart. I'm sure there is a story there, but to be honest, I can't make heads or tails of it from the old Italian lyrics. So on Mother's Day, while walking through the garden behind Mother's apartment, I thought of this song and snapped a few pictures.

Amarilli, mia bella

Non credi, o del mio cor dolce desio,

D'esser tu l'amor mio?

Credilo pur, e se timor t'assale,

Prendi questo mio strale,

Aprimi il petto e vedrai scritto in core:

Amarilli, Amarilli, Amarailli è il mio amore

Amarilli, lovely Amarilli

Believest thee not,

oh my heart's sweet desire

tis thou my heart aspires?

Believe, tis true: yet should a dread besiege thee

doubt not, tis vanerip my bosom open,

and there inscribed you'll see Amarilli,

Amarilli, Amaraillys

My sweetest love art thee