E. Cobham Brewer 1810–1897. Dictionary of Phrase and Fable. 1898.
Stornello Verses
are those in which certain words are harped on and turned about and about. They are common among the Tuscan peasants. The word is from torna’re (to return).
1
“I’ll tell him the white, and the green, and the red,
Mean our country has flung the vile yoke from her head;
I’ll tell him the green, and the red, and the white
Would look well by his side as a sword-knot so bright;
I’ll tell him the red, and the white, and the green
Is the prize that we play for, a prize we will win.”
