For a Portrait of Felice Orsini

By Anonymous

Felice Orsini was an Italian patriot and revolutionist. He attempted, in company with others, to assassinate Napoleon III., and was executed, March 13, 1858.

STEADFAST as sorrow, fiery sad, and sweet

With underthoughts of love and faith, more strong

Than doubt and hate and all ill thoughts which throng,

Haply, round hope’s or fear’s world-wandering feet

That find no rest from wandering till they meet

Death, bearing palms in hand and crowns of song;

His face, who thought to vanquish wrong with wrong,

Erring, and make rage and redemption meet,

Havoc and freedom; weaving in one weft

Good with his right hand, evil with his left;

But all a hero lived and erred and died;

Looked thus upon the living world he left

So bravely that with pity less than pride

Men hail him Patriot and Tyrannicide.

Contents -BIBLIOGRAPHIC RECORD