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 5 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[114] 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! VIII NEAR ROME, IN SIGHT OF ST. PETER’S Long has the dew been dried on tree and lawn; O’er man and beast a not unwelcome boon Is shed, the languor of approaching noon; To shady rest withdrawing or withdrawn Mute are all creatures, as this couchant fawn, 5 Save insect-swarms that hum in air afloat, Save that the Cock is crowing, a shrill note, Startling and shrill as that which roused the dawn. --Heard in that hour, or when, as now, the nerve Shrinks from the note[115] as from a mis-timed thing, 10 Oft for a holy warning may it serve, Charged with remembrance of _his_ sudden sting, His bitter tears, whose name the Papal Chair And yon resplendent Church are proud to bear. [114] 1845. They--who have heard thy lettered sages treat 1842. [115] 1845. … voice … 1842. IX AT ALBANO[116] [This Sonnet is founded on simple fact, and was written to enlarge, if possible, the views of those who can see nothing but evil in the intercessions countenanced by the Church of Rome. That they are in many respects lamentably pernicious must be acknowledged; but, on the other hand, they who reflect, while they see and observe, cannot but be struck with instances which will prove that it is a great error to condemn in all cases such mediation as purely idolatrous. This remark bears with especial force upon addresses to the Virgin.--I.F.] Days passed--and Monte Calvo would not clear His head from mist; and, as the wind sobbed through Albano’s dripping Ilex avenue,[117] My dull forebodings in a Peasant’s ear Found casual vent. She said, “Be of good cheer; 5 Our yesterday’s procession did not sue In vain; the sky will change to sunny blue, Thanks to our Lady’s grace.” I smiled to hear, But not in scorn:--the Matron’s Faith may lack The heavenly sanction needed to ensure 10 Fulfilment; but, we trust, her upward track[118] Stops not at this low point, nor wants the lure Of flowers the Virgin without fear may own, For by her Son’s blest hand the seed was sown.