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Home  »  The Book of the Sonnet  »  Sir Aubrey de Vere (1788–1846)

Hunt and Lee, comps. The Book of the Sonnet. 1867.

IV. Diocletian at Salona

Sir Aubrey de Vere (1788–1846)

TAKE back these vain insignia of command,

Crown, truncheon, golden eagle, bawbles all,

And robe of Tyrian dye, to me a pall;

And be forever alien to my hand,

Though laurel-wreathed, War’s desolating brand.

I would have friends, not courtiers, in my hall;

Wise books, learn’d converse, beauty free from thrall,

And leisure for good deeds, thoughtfully planned.

Farewell, thou garish World! thou Italy,

False widow of departed Liberty!

I scorn thy base caresses. Welcome the roll,

Between us, of mine own bright Adrian sea!

Welcome these wilds, from whose bold heights my soul

Looks down on your degenerate Capitol!