The Old Bridge at Florence

Henry Wadsworth Longfellow (1807–1882)

TADDEO GADDI built me. I am old,

Five centuries old. I plant my foot of stone

Upon the Arno, as Saint Michael’s own

Was planted on the dragon. Fold by fold

Beneath me as it struggles, I behold

Its glistening scales. Twice hath it overthrown

My kindred and companions. Me alone

It moveth not, but is by me controlled.

I can remember when the Medici

Were driven from Florence: longer still ago

The final wars of Ghibelline and Guelf.

Florence adorns me with her jewelry;

And when I think that Michael Angelo

Hath leaned on me, I glory in myself.