No More Learning

XXII.

Long she stood and gazed, and twice she tried at the name,
But two great crystal tears were all that faltered and came.

XXIII.

Only a tear for Venice? --she turned as in passion and loss,
And stooped to his forehead and kissed it, as if she were kissing
the cross.

XXIV.

Faint with that strain of heart she moved on then to another,
Stern and strong in his death. "And dost thou suffer, my brother? "

XXV.

Holding his hands in hers:--"Out of the Piedmont lion
Cometh the sweetness of freedom! sweetest to live or to die on. "

XXVI.

Holding his cold rough hands,--"Well, oh well have ye done
In noble, noble Piedmont, who would not be noble alone. "

XXVII.

Back he fell while she spoke.
She rose to her feet with a spring,--
"That was a Piedmontese! and this is the Court of the King. "




AN AUGUST VOICE.

"Una voce augusta. "--_Monitore Toscano_.


I.

You'll take back your Grand-duke?
I made the treaty upon it.
Just venture a quiet rebuke;
Dall' Ongaro write him a sonnet;
Ricasoli gently explain
Some need of the constitution:
He'll swear to it over again,
Providing an "easy solution. "
You'll call back the Grand-duke.

II.

You'll take back your Grand-duke?
I promised the Emperor Francis
To argue the case by his book,
And ask you to meet his advances.
The Ducal cause, we know
(Whether you or he be the wronger),
Has very strong points;--although
Your bayonets, there, have stronger.
You'll call back the Grand-duke.

You'll take back your Grand-duke?