Italian poet, translator, and librettist (1798–1885) whose work included collaborations with Giuseppe Verdi. Two autograph poems in Italian on an off-white 7.25 x 4.5 album page, signed in the extreme lower right by Maffei. The first, entitled "Alla Signorina Teresa Martini," comprises three four-line stanzas and begins, "Alla giovane musa un fior dimanda." The second, entitled "La Viola," is penned on the lower portion and comprises eight four-line stanzas, beginning, "Odorosa foriera d'aprile." In overall very good condition, with dampstaining to edges affecting the signature area and overall foxing and toning. Famed pianist and composer Anton Rubinstein set the latter poem to music, releasing the piece as 'La prima viola.'