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Classic and Contemporary Poetry


I DOTE THE MORE, THE MORE I CONTEMPLATE by VINCENZO MONTI

Last Line: Hath graven in thy tender father's breast
Subject(s): FATHERS & DAUGHTERS; BEAUTY;

I dote the more, the more I contemplate
This peerless canvas, and my yearning heart
In love's delirium from it doth await
The speech and kisses of its counterpart,
Whereon I run to gather her to me ;
Alas, she doth not speak, but her glance strays
Gladly towards me: "Dearest father, see
How beautiful 1 am! " methinks it says.

"Daughter," I answer, "sweet serenity
Thy happy image showeth, worthless prove
All canvases by this supremely best ;
But fairer still thou dost appear to me
And to me only in the shape that Love
Hath graven in thy tender father's breast."




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