[116] Albano, 10 miles south-east of Rome, is a small town and episcopal residence, a favourite autumnal resort of Roman citizens. It is on the site of the ruins of the villa of Pompey. Monte Carlo (the Monte Calvo of this sonnet) is the ancient _Mons Latialis_, 3127 feet high. At its summit a convent of Passionist Monks occupies the site of the ancient temple of Jupiter.--ED. [117] The ilex-grove of the Villa Doria is one of the most marked features of Albano.--ED. [118] 1845. Its own fulfilment; but her upward track 1842. X “NEAR ANIO’S STREAM, I SPIED A GENTLE DOVE” Near Anio’s stream,[119] I spied a gentle Dove Perched on an olive branch, and heard her cooing ’Mid new-born blossoms that soft airs were wooing, While all things present told of joy and love. But restless Fancy left that olive grove 5 To hail the exploratory Bird renewing Hope for the few, who, at the world’s undoing, On the great flood were spared to live and move. O bounteous Heaven! signs true as dove and bough Brought to the ark are coming evermore, 10 Given though we seek them not, but, while we plough[120] This sea of life without a visible shore, Do neither promise ask nor grace implore In what alone is ours, the living Now.[121] [119] The Anio joins the Tiber north of Rome, flowing from the north-east past Tivoli.--ED. [120] 1845. Even though men seek them not, but, while they plough 1842. [121] 1845. … the vouchsafed Now. 1842. XI FROM THE ALBAN HILLS, LOOKING TOWARDS ROME Forgive, illustrious Country! these deep sighs, Heaved less for thy bright plains and hills bestrown With monuments decayed or overthrown, For all that tottering stands or prostrate lies, Than for like scenes in moral vision shown, 5 Ruin perceived for keener sympathies; Faith crushed, yet proud of weeds, her gaudy crown Virtues laid low, and mouldering energies. Yet why prolong this mournful strain?--Fallen Power, Thy fortunes, twice exalted,[122] might provoke 10 Verse to glad notes prophetic of the hour When thou, uprisen, shalt break thy double yoke, And enter, with prompt aid from the Most High, On the third stage of thy great destiny.[123] [122] The ancient Classic period, and that of the Renaissance.--ED. [123] This period seems to have been already entered. Compare Mrs. Browning’s “Poems before Congress,” _passim_.--ED. XII NEAR THE LAKE OF THRASYMENE