A Metaphor For The Dead

Act! While in delirium
I no longer know what I say
Or what I do!
And yet it's necessary, make an effort!
Bah! Are you not a man?

Naked and alone, before the cadaver

Ridi, Pagliaccio
Sul tuo amore infranto!
Ridi del duol, che t'avvelena il cor!

Put on your costume
And powder your face
The people pay to be here, and they want to laugh
And if Harlequin shall steal your Columbina
Laugh, clown, so the crowd will cheer!

Pane of glass shattered, yet finally clear

Ridi, Pagliaccio
Sul tuo amore infranto!
Ridi del duol, che t'avvelena il cor!