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When the Venetian to their eyes disclosed

The wonders of the East! Well might they then

Sigh for new Conquests!

Thus did Venice rise,

Thus flourish, till the unwelcome tidings came,

That in the Tagus had arrived a fleet

From India, from the region of the Sun,

Fragrant with spices that a way was found,

A channel opened, and the golden stream
Turned to enrich another. Then she felt

Her strength departing, and at last she fell,
Fell in an instant, blotted out and razed ;

She who had stood yet longer than the longest

Of the Four Kingdoms — who, as in an Ark,

Had floated down, amid a thousand wrecks,

Uninjured, from the Old World to the New,

From the last trace of civilised life — to where

Light shone again, and with unclouded splendour.

Through many an age in the mid-sea She dwelt,

From her retreat calmly contemplating

The changes of the Earth, herself unchanged.
Before her passed, as in an awful dream,

The mightiest of the mighty. What are these,
Clothed in their purple? O'er the globe they fling

Their monstrous shadows; and, while yet we speak, Phantom-like, vanish with a dreadful scream!

What-but the last that styled themselves the Cesars?

And who in long array (look where they come;

Their gestures menacing so far and wide)

Wear the green turban and the heron's plume?

Who- but the Caliphs? followed fast by shapes

As new and strange-some, men of steel, steel-clad ; Others, nor long, alas, the interval,

In light and gay attire, with brow serene

Wielding Jove's thunder, scattering sulphurous fire

Mingled with darkness; and, among the rest

Lo, one by one, passing continually,

Those who assume a sway beyond them all;

Men grey with age, each in a triple crown,
And in his tremulous hands grasping the keys

That can alone, as he would signify,

Unlock Heaven's gate.

XI.

LUIGI.

He who is on his travels and loves ease,

Ease and companionship, should hire a lacquey,

Such as thou wert, Luigi. Thee I found,

Playing at MORA on the cabin-roof

With Pulcinella

crying, as in anger,

"Tre! Quattro! Cinque !" and at once engaged,

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Won by thy looks. Thou wert an honest lad;

Wert generous, grateful, not without ambition.

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