O THOU who movest onward with a mind Intent upon thy way, pause, though in haste! 'Twill be no fruitless moment. I was born Within Savona's walls, of gentle blood. On Tiber's banks my youth was dedicate To sacred studies; and the Roman Shepherd Gave to my charge Urbino's numerous flock. Well did I watch, much laboured, nor had power To escape from many and strange indignities; Was smitten by the great ones of the world, But did not fall; for Virtue braves all shocks, Upon herself resting immoveably. Me did a kindlier fortune then invite To serve the glorious Henry, King of France, And in his hands I saw a high reward Stretched out for my acceptance, -- but Death came. Now, Reader, learn from this my fate, how false, How treacherous to her promise, is the world; And trust in God -- to whose eternal doom Must bend the sceptred Potentates of earth. | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...REVAMPING THE VIRGIN by KAREN SWENSON ASIAN BIRDS by ROBERT SEYMOUR BRIDGES CAVALIER TUNES: BOOT AND SADDLE by ROBERT BROWNING SONNET: FOR INSPIRATION by MICHELANGELO BUONARROTI ODES: BOOK 1: ODE 7. ON THE USE OF POETRY by MARK AKENSIDE |