thanks for all the work; i came across the quote a couple of years ago (i believe google was not even "big" then) and never bothered to check back (for this post i just googled and found a couple of attributes, just for reassurance--obviously i should have been more careful)

nevertheless, i think it's a great quote, too. (i find myself citing it from time to time, about twice a year or so...)

ps: i know a couple of italians, probably they will be able to clarify on etymological issues...