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Classic and Contemporary Poetry


GOLDONI by ROBERT BROWNING

Poet Analysis

First Line: GOLDONI - GOOD, GAY, SUNNIEST OF SOULS
Last Line: VENICE, AND WE WHO LOVE HER, ALL LOVE THEE!
Subject(s): GOLDONI, CARLO (1707-1793); VENICE, ITALY;

GOLDONI -- good, gay, sunniest of souls, --
Glassing half Venice in that verse of thine, --
What though it just reflect the shade and shine
Of common life, nor render, as it rolls,
Grandeur and gloom? Sufficient for thy shoals
Was Carnival; Parini's depths enshrine
Secrets unsuited to that opaline
Surface of things which laughs along thy scrolls
There throng the people: how they come and go
Lisp the soft language, flaunt the bright garb, -- see, --
On Piazza, Calle, under Portico
And over Bridge! Dear king of Comedy,
Be honored! thou that didst love Venice so,
Venice, and we who love her, all love thee!



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