THAT son of Italy who tried to blow, Ere Dante came, the trump of sacred song, In his light youth amid a festal throng Sate with his bride to see a public show. Fair was the bride, and on her front did glow Youth like a star; and what to youth belong, Gay raiment, sparkling gauds, elation strong. A prop gave way! crash fell a platform! lo, Mid struggling sufferers, hurt to death, she lay! Shuddering they drew her garments off--and found A robe of sackcloth next the smooth, white skin. Such, poets, is your bride, the Muse! young, gay, Radiant, adorn'd outside; a hidden ground Of thought and of austerity within. | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...THE ARAB by CHARLES STUART CALVERLEY TO A YOUNG ASS; ITS MOTHER BEING TETHERED NEAR IT by SAMUEL TAYLOR COLERIDGE THE BIRD OF PARADISE by WILLIAM HENRY DAVIES THE FORSAKEN by C. HAMILTON AIDE PEARLS OF THE FAITH: 51. ASH-SHAHID by EDWIN ARNOLD LILIA'S TRESS by WILLIAM ROSE BENET LEISURE by EDMUND CHARLES BLUNDEN JIM'S WHIP by BARCROFT HENRY BOAKE BRITANNIA'S PASTORALS: BOOK 1. TO WILLIAM, EARL OF PEMBROKE by WILLIAM BROWNE (1591-1643) |