MEMORIALS OF A TOUR IN ITALY, 1837
VII. AT ROME
MEMORIALS OF A TOUR IN ITALY, 1837
THEY–who have seen the noble Roman’s scorn Break forth at thought of laying down his head, When the blank day is over, garreted In his ancestral palace, where, from morn To night, the desecrated floors are worn By feet of purse-proud strangers; they–who have read In one meek smile, beneath a peasant’s shed, How patiently the weight of wrong is borne; They–who have heard some learned Patriot treat Of freedom, with mind grasping the whole theme 10 From ancient Rome, downwards through that bright dream Of Commonwealths, each city a starlike seat Of rival glory; they–fallen Italy– Nor must, nor will, nor can, despair of Thee!