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THE WANDERER: 1. IN ITALY: THE LAST MESSAGE, by                 Poet Analysis     Poet's Biography
First Line: Fling the lattice open
Last Line: Before the night is done.
Alternate Author Name(s): Meredith, Owen; Lytton, 1st Earl Of; Lytton, Robert
Subject(s): Italy; Travel; Italians; Journeys; Trips


FLING the lattice open,
And the music plain you 'll hear;
Lean out of the window,
And you 'll see the lamplight clear.

There, you see the palace
Where the bridal is to-night.
You may shut the window.
Come here, to the light.

Take this portrait with you,
Look well before you go.
She can scarce be altered
Since a year ago.

Women's hearts change lightly,
(Truth both trite and olden!)
But blue eyes remain blue;
Golden hair stays golden.

Once I knew two sisters:
One was dark and grave
As the tomb; one radiant
And changeful as the wave.

Now away, friend, quickly!
Mix among the masks:
Say you are the bride's friend,
If the bridegroom asks.

If the bride have dark hair,
And an olive brow,
Give her this gold bracelet; --
Come and let me know.

If the bride have bright hair,
And a brow of snow,
In the great canal there
Quick the portrait throw:

And you 'll merely give her
This poor faded flower.
Thanks! now leave your stylet
With me for an hour.

You 're my friend: whatever
I ask you now to do,
If the case were altered,
I would do for you.

And you 'll promise me, my mother
Shall never miss her son,
If anything should happen
Before the night is done.





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