THAT son of Italy who tried to blow, Ere Dante came, the trump of sacred song, In his light youth amid a festal throng Sate with his bride to see a public show. Fair was the bride, and on her front did glow Youth like a star; and what to youth belong, Gay raiment, sparkling gauds, elation strong. A prop gave way! crash fell a platform! lo, Mid struggling sufferers, hurt to death, she lay! Shuddering they drew her garments off--and found A robe of sackcloth next the smooth, white skin. Such, poets, is your bride, the Muse! young, gay, Radiant, adorn'd outside; a hidden ground Of thought and of austerity within. | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...A PASSER-BY by ROBERT SEYMOUR BRIDGES SONNET: 110 by WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE STOOD AT CLEAR by ALEXANDER ANDERSON THE ARGONAUTS (ARGONATUICA): MEDEA BETRAYED by APOLLONIUS RHODIUS BARCAROLE: DE VIGNY by E. G. B. |