Higginson and Bigelow, comps. American Sonnets. 1891.
VeniceBessie Gray (18541925)
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Strike dome and campanile, sharp and clear,
Jangling sweet bells on the still city’s ear.
Strange scents of musk and myrtle hover nigh;
The frail pomegranate-blossoms, hanging high
Above the dark canal, drop straight and sheer,
Drift on, a crimson fleet, then disappear.
High-heaped with sun-kissed fruits, the boats go by
With cadenced oar to the gay market-place,
Where purple, bloomy grapes, for very stress
Of swollen sweetness, burst and spill their wine;
Where bronzèd melons lie, in shade and shine,
And the Sea City’s definite impress
Glows in swart splendor from each dusky face.