AUSTERITY OF POETRY
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hat son of Italy who tried to blow,[9]Ere Dante came, the trump of sacred song,In his light youth amid a festal throngSate with his bride to see a public show. Fair was the bride, and on her front did glowYouth like a star; and what to youth belong--Gay raiment, sparkling gauds, elation strong.A prop gave way! crash fell a platform! lo, 'Mid struggling sufferers, hurt to death, she lay!Shuddering, they drew her garments off--and foundA robe of sackcloth next the smooth, white skin. Such, poets, is your bride, the Muse! young, gay,Radiant, adorn'd outside; a hidden groundOf thought and of austerity within.
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