(written on July 26, 1943)
Perhaps it will happen, perhaps not,
I would find it extraordinary nice
If now Italy, much to Germany‘s dismay,
Would band together with the English.
It would be a true solution for them,
Walking on familiar paths,
A politics on well-known terrain,
Betrayal is not new to them.
It was not the first time,
That one did not behave correctly,
One has neglected his duty before,
And not for the first time loyalty and agreements were broken.
In ‘14 they abandoned
Their dear German allies,
They were observing and waiting
And then stabbed them the dagger in the back.
In ‘40, France was dashed to the ground,
And it seemed they would not take risks
If they quickly chose an anti-British alliance
For cadaver plundering.
Now that this plan didn’t work out,
They don‘t have much more to lose,
Perhaps they can save some of the spoils
By quickly choosing the other side.
Post-Editing: Daniel Green
Did you notice an error in this transcription or translation, and would you like to send us a corrected version? Or have you created a lyrical translation that captures rhyme and rhythm of the original? Please feel free to send us your version. We appreciate voluntary support for this memorial project, and we regularly review the messages we receive.