Come paride vezzoso – L’elisir d’amore

As the graceful Paris

Handed the apple to the most beautiful woman,

my beloved country girl,

I offer you these flowers.         

But more glorious than him,

I am happier than him,

Because as a reward for my gift          

I will carry away your lovely heart.

I see clearly in that little face

That I am making my way into your heart.

It’s not surprising;

I’m gallant, I’m a sergeant;

There’s no beauty that can resist

The sight of a crest;

To Mars, the god of war,

Even the mother of love gives way.

Tito Gobbi as Sergeant Belcore in a somewhat dated film version of Donizetti's L'elisir d'amore.