This article examines selected examples of operatic translation as skilful combination of intuition and technique. Derrida's definition of translation as 'transformation' and 'dissemination' is referred to as the ideal theoretical context to evaluate two different forms of 'metatranslation'. The first as satirical rewriting of an original text through imitation; the second as satirical rewriting through quotation. This dual display of 'metatranslation' is described through a comparative textual analysis of selected passages from Gilbert and Sullivan's 1885 libretto of The Mikado and their 1898 translations into Italian by Gustavo Macchi.