58
TASSO'S CROWN.
"It was resolved, that the greatest living poet of Italy should be crowned with the laurelin the imperial city, as Petrarch had been more than two hundred and fifty years before.The decree to that effect was passed by the Pope and the Senate; but ere the day of triumph came, Tasso was seized with an illness, which he instantly felt would be mortal. At his own request, he was immediately conveyed to the neighbouring Monastery of St. Onofario, where, surrounded by the consolations of that faith which had been through life his constant support, be patiently awaited what he firmly believed would be the issue of his malady. He expired in the arms of Cardinal Ciutbio Aldohrandini. The Cardinal had brought him the Pope's benediction; on receiving which, he exclaimed, 'This is the crown with which I hope to be crowned, not as a poet in the capital, but with the glory of the blessed in heaven.'"
The gifted poet lies—
Haste!—bring the bright triumphal crown,
The victor's glorious prize:
Not here should be his resting place,
Fame beckons him away,
With laurel wreath his brow to grace
Upon no distant day.
