TAKE back these vain insignia of command, Crown, truncheon, golden eagle, -- bubbles all, -- And robe of Tyrian dye, to me a pall; And be forever alien to my hand, Though laurel-wreathed, War's desolating brand: I would have friends, not courtiers, in my hall; Wise books, frank converse, Beauty free from thrall, And leisure for good deeds, thoughtfully planned. Farewell, thou garish World! thou Italy, False widow of departed Liberty! I scorn thy base caresses. Welcome the roll, Between us, of mine own bright Adrian sea! Welcome these wilds, from whose bold heights my soul Looks down on your degenerate Capitol! | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...THE DISAPPOINTMENT by APHRA BEHN ASOLANDO: EPILOGUE by ROBERT BROWNING MILK FOR THE CAT by HAROLD MONRO A PETITION TO TIME by BRYAN WALLER PROCTER OLD KING COLE by EDWIN ARLINGTON ROBINSON THE HOUSE OF LIFE: THE SONNET (INTRODUCTION) by DANTE GABRIEL ROSSETTI |