Guido Savella.
67
The first faint efforts of awakening strength
Revealed in fragments of imperfect song,
Rude shapes, and outlined scenery, on the canvass
Left incomplete by an irresolute hand.
All loved the boy; the contadina turned
To smile her salutation as he passed;
The beggar lounging on the palace stair
Bade Mary bless the glorious, gifted child,
As he went by. These loved him for his beauty,
His pride; for pride becomes a noble spirit
Even as a regal port doth royalty.
Revealed in fragments of imperfect song,
Rude shapes, and outlined scenery, on the canvass
Left incomplete by an irresolute hand.
All loved the boy; the contadina turned
To smile her salutation as he passed;
The beggar lounging on the palace stair
Bade Mary bless the glorious, gifted child,
As he went by. These loved him for his beauty,
His pride; for pride becomes a noble spirit
Even as a regal port doth royalty.
Pass we their dawn of youth. Savella's place
Was empty at the board. The orphans dwelt
Alone in the old palace. The rapt boy
Had made his manhood as an arch of triumph
Spanning a conqueror's path. There was no lip
But named him reverently; for his songs
Had stirred all Italy, and to his canvass
The gods descended. He was changed by time,
Not less by care and toil. His step had left
Its early pride for the calm, conscious power
Was empty at the board. The orphans dwelt
Alone in the old palace. The rapt boy
Had made his manhood as an arch of triumph
Spanning a conqueror's path. There was no lip
But named him reverently; for his songs
Had stirred all Italy, and to his canvass
The gods descended. He was changed by time,
Not less by care and toil. His step had left
Its early pride for the calm, conscious power
