The Last Will and Testament of a Dog
Translated from the Piedmontese of Silvio Balbis
Given that I’m about to die,
And wouldn’t want to leave for friends
And relatives more worries, I
Now make a will, tie up loose ends.
I leave my teeth to those who spend
Days gnawing hidden bones; my eyes
To certain people who pretend
To see, who feign that they are wise.
To the biggest dummy goes
My brain; street hawkers get my ears;
And busybodies get my nose.
And when I finally depart,
I’ll spread a little bit of cheer
And leave my Mistress with my heart.
Original poem (published in 1782)
Testamen d’un can
Dagià, ch’ j’ eu da murì, për nen lassè
Dòp me decès d’ anbreuj ai me parent,
Fin ch’ j’ eu la testa ciajra, e i peus parlè,
J’ eu pensà d’ fè doj righe d’ testament.
E prima d’ ògni còsa i lasso i dent
A chi ha di cativ òs dur da rusiè;
I lasso i me doi eui a d’ serta gent,
Ch’ a sciaira niente, e pensa dë sciairè.
I las l’ ongie ai sartòr; i las le oríe
Ai marcant; ai curios i lasso ’l nas;
E i las me pòch sërvel tut a le fíe.
Ma finalment, pr’ alegerì ’l maleur
D’ mia situassion, e për murì con pas,
A mia cara Padrona i lasso ’l cheur.