Salvator Rosa (1615–1673)

Translated by William Michael Rossetti
Against those who would not believe him to be the real author of his Satires

THEREFORE, because Salvator is my name,

Do all and sundry “Crucify him!” shout?

But well, it must be that the rascal rout

Should only after Passion yield me fame.

More than one Pilate asks me if I came

At satire’s crown by thieving out and out:

Me Peters more than one deny and scout,

More than one Judas gives the kiss of shame.

A gang of canting and unhappy Jews

Swear that with glory’s sanctum making free,

I use another’s Godhead in abuse.

But this time they shall find the thing askew:

They do the thieves, the Christ I shall not do;

Rather my Pindus proves their Calvary.