VINCENTE FILICAJA’S SONNET TO ITALY.
Reading edition
“Dove Italia il tuo braccio.”
Where is thy might, oh Italy! and why
Now dost thou humbly kneel to other powers?
They are thy foes, for both in bygone hours
Subject before thy throne were forced to lie.
And is it thus thy honor is preserved?
And is it thus thy glory is maintained?
Thine old escutcheon thou hast darkly stained,
Widely from ancient valor hast thou swerved.
Well—be it so: yet cast the crown aside,
Put on the shame, the languor and the chains
Of slaves, and sleep while all mankind deride—
Sleep as the hireling harlot sleeps, who stains
Her bridal-bed with guilt, till in thy side
Avenging fate the glittering steel shall hide.
F. R.