Translation of the song RV 630, 2. Blande colore. 3. Spirat anguis inter flores. artist Antonio Vivaldi

2. Recitativo.

2. Recitative.

Blando colore oculos mundus decepit

By tempting look this world deceives the eye,

at occulto vulnere corda conficit;

but pierces hearts by hidden wounds.

fugiamus ridentem, vitemus sequentem,

Let us flee him who smiles, shun him who follows us,

nam delicias ostentando arte secura

for by skilfully displaying its pleasures, this world

vellet ludendo superare.

overwhelms us by deceit.

3. Aria.

3. Air.

Spirat anguis

The serpent hisses

inter flores et colores

among blossoms and colours,

explicando tegit fel.

uncoils itself and conceals the gall,

Sed occulto factus ore

But after a furtive kiss,

homo demens in amore

a man maddened by love

saepe lambit quasi mel.

often licks it like honey.