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 Her strength departing, and at last she fell, 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. The mightiest of the mighty. What are these, 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, 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, Won by thy looks. Thou wert an honest lad; Wert generous, grateful, not without ambition. |