I am by no means, not in the least, not by a long shot, in no way, on no account even just barely thinking about a Present-day-President!
| L’elezzione der presidente Trilussa Un giorno tutti quanti l’animali sottomessi ar lavoro decisero d’elegge’ un Presidente che je guardasse l’interessi loro. C’era la Societa de li Majali, la Societa der Toro, er Circolo der Basto e de la Soma, la Lega indipennente fra li Somari residenti a Roma; eppoi la Fratellanza de li Gatti soriani, de li Cani, de li Cavalli senza vetturini, la Lega fra le Vacche, Bovi e affini… Tutti pijorno parte a l’adunanza. Un Somarello, che pe’ l’ambizzione de fasse elegge’ s’era messo addosso la pelle d’un leone, disse: – Bestie elettore, io so’ commosso: la civirtà, la libbertà, er progresso… ecco er vero programma che ciò io, ch’è l’istesso der popolo! per cui voterete compatti er nome mio… – Defatti venne eletto propio lui. Er Somaro, contento, fece un rajo, e allora solo er popolo bestione s’accorse de lo sbajo d’ave’ pijato un ciuccio p’un leone! – Miffarolo!… Imbrojone!… Buvattaro!… – Ho pijato possesso, – disse allora er Somaro – e nu’ la pianto nemmanco si morite d’accidente; Peggio pe’ voi che me avete messo Silenzio! e rispettate er Presidente! | The president’s election Trilussa One day animals of every kind who were subject to exertion decided to elect a President who’d give ‘em some protection. There was the ‘Ssociation of Swines, the ‘Ssociation of Bulls, the Saddle and Pack Club, the indepentent League o’ Asses that lived in Rome; and then the Brotherhood o’ tabby Cats, o’ Dogs, o’ Horses with no cabby, the League o’ Cows, Oxen and the rest… All of ‘em took part in the assembly. One Jackass, who was so bent on winning the election he donned the coat of a Lion, said: “Beastie voters, I’m moved: civillty, libberty, progrress… them’s the real plans I got, which is the same as the people’s! so y’all put my name on the balllot…” In fact, the people elected him. Pleased, the Jackass brayed and only then did the beast populace realise the mistake they’d made takin’ a jackass for a lion! “Trickster!… Shyster!…Lyin’ cheat!…” “I been sworn in,” said the Jackass, “and I’m not leavin’ even if y’all drop dead by accident; Tough luck for y’all did the votin’ Silence! and respect ur President!” Translation©Matilda Colarossi 2025 |
I have absolutely nothing to add as we near the new year…
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parallel texts: words reflected 
Brilliant.
Thank you!
Ale
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