COLA DI RIENZI
(EXTRACT FROM A POEM SO NAMED)
A poet of the ancient day
He seemed, whose spirit-stirring lay
Might rouse the burning, bounding blood
Throughout as vast a multitude
As ever to the banners leapt
Of youthful Scipio, or through Rome
Held high the torch, whilst nobles slept,
To light their Tribune to his home,
He seemed, whose spirit-stirring lay
Might rouse the burning, bounding blood
Throughout as vast a multitude
As ever to the banners leapt
Of youthful Scipio, or through Rome
Held high the torch, whilst nobles slept,
To light their Tribune to his home,
Nor thought th' impassioned youth how he
Who tamed the Carthaginian pride
On Zama's field of victory,
A broken-hearted exile died;
That Scipio yielded his proud spirit up
The hour when Hannibal drained off the poison cup.
That he who saved, and he who could not save
His country, slept in an unhonoured grave;
Nor thought how erst the murdered Gracchi fell
Whose dying groans were Rome's last knell.
Who tamed the Carthaginian pride
On Zama's field of victory,
A broken-hearted exile died;
That Scipio yielded his proud spirit up
The hour when Hannibal drained off the poison cup.
That he who saved, and he who could not save
His country, slept in an unhonoured grave;
Nor thought how erst the murdered Gracchi fell
Whose dying groans were Rome's last knell.
1839.
49
