tradittore, traduttore!
--Italian proverb

Heinrich Heine
from "The Homecoming"

Heine was neurotic, narrowly focused, too smart-alecy for his own good -- and a genius. This one isn't his best (though it's representative) but it falls very naturally into English.

    Like sapphires are those lips of yours,
    So lovely and so sweet.
    Oh, three times lucky is the man
    That they with love do greet.

    Your heart is like a diamond,
    Reflecting noble beams.
    Oh, three times lucky is the man
    For whom in love it gleams.

    Your ruby lips shine fairer e'en
    Than angels up above do.
    Oh, three times lucky is the man
    They whisper words of love to.

    If only I knew that lucky man,
    If only I could find him.
    Then very soon, alone in the woods,
    His luck would all be behind him!