DIVAE Isottae Sacrum," true, And like a saint's inscription too, But really did she pray there? Could even she, without a smile, Kneel meekly in Alberti's aisle And Credo softly say there? Did she, ah brazen, dream to hide Her sins from Him they crucified, By graceful genuflexion? And that the glory of her face Would gain the flesh celestial grace Maugre the soul's rejection? Or did she come and, Aves said, Lift up that perfect Umbrian head That all should know her fair? And fair enough to shame them, too, Who called her damned, since well she knew Her God was debonair. "Quia multum amavit," haply she Long since hath found the living tree, With Magdalen to guide her. I wonder, is it purged away The charm, that drew all men to pray In Rimini, beside her? | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...IN ANSWER TO MR. POPE by ANNE FINCH ON THE DEATH OF A METAPHYSICIAN by GEORGE SANTAYANA BIRDS by NESTA HIGGINSON SKRINE THE FLIGHT OF YOUTH by RICHARD HENRY STODDARD VERSES TO RHYME WITH 'ROSE' (2) by JANE AUSTEN |