The Domestic Affections, and Other Poems/Sonnet.—To Italy

by Felicia Hemans

SONNET TO ITALY.

For thee, Ausonia! Nature's bounteous hand,
    Luxuriant spreads around her blooming stores:
Profusion laughs o'er all the glowing land,
    And softest breezes fan ^[1] thy myrtle-shores.

Yet though for thee, unclouded suns diffuse
    Their genial radiance o'er thy blushing plains;
Though in thy fragrant groves the sportive muse
    Delights to pour her wild, enchanted strains;

Though airs that breathe of paradise are thine,
    Sweet as the Indian, or Arabian gales;
Though fruitful olive and empurpling vine,
    Enrich, fair Italy! thy Alpine vales;
Yet far from thee inspiring freedom flies,
To Albion's coast and ever-varying skies!

1. see errata—original has from