Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, THE OLD BRIDGE AT FLORENCE; SONNET, by HENRY WADSWORTH LONGFELLOW


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THE OLD BRIDGE AT FLORENCE; SONNET, by                 Poet Analysis     Poet's Biography
First Line: Taddeo gaddi built me. I am old
Last Line: Hath leaned on me, I glory in myself.
Subject(s): Architecture & Architects; Art & Artists; Bridges; Florence, Italy; Travel; Journeys; Trips


TADDEO GADDI built me. I am old,
Five centuries old. I plant my foot of stone
Upon the Arno, as Saint Michael's own
Was planted on the dragon. Fold by fold
Beneath me as it struggles, I behold
Its glistening scales. Twice hath it overthrown
My kindred and companions. Me alone
It moveth not, but is by me controlled.
I can remember when the Medici
Were driven from Florence: longer still ago
The final wars of Ghibelline and Guelf.
Florence adorns me with her jewelry;
And when I think that Michael Angelo
Hath leaned on me, I glory in myself.




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