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116

STANZAS
SUGGESTED IN THE BOBOLI GARDENS AT FLORENCE.
A portion of these gardens is laid out in the English style.

I walked down many an avenue,
Through many a tutored shade,
And with my thoughts, as idlers do,
In idleness I played:
Delicious maze of grove and hill,
And fountains far away!
But I was free, and knew my will,
And made my heart obey.

By terraces, by statues fair
My steps awhile were led,
Or glimpses of the outer air
Still beckoning on ahead:
At last, grown weary of success
And pleasure always found,
I took a path that promised less,
And seemed neglected ground.