POETRY.
Fiftieth Anniversary of Garibaldis Sicilian Expedition.
CLEAVING the quiet water a short rock-rib Juts forth : behind it copses of laurel trees, Thick foliaged, murmuring softly, Scatter their scents on the wind of evening.
Before it, full-faced, perfect, most beautiful Shineth the moon, and near her the lovely star Of Venus, with quick throbs of splendour, Glows from the innermost depth of heaven.
From such a peaceful nook might a man push forth In some frail bark with one he loved, secretly Enjoying the bliss of sweet converse, Lulled by the zephyrs, his mistress by him Gazing the while intent on the star of Love Italy, Italy, mistress of centuries, Of prophets end m trtyrs the mistress, Widow rencwned for thy matchless sorrows, From here pushed forth thy faithful one seeking thee Over the ocean. Wrapping the puncio About his lion-neck, his shoulders Girt with the sword that at Rome he wielded, Stood Garibaldi. Shadowlike, silently, By tens, by fives, mysterious companies Emerged from the gloom, and then vanished, Destined to work thy revenge,—the Thousand,
Sweeping like pirates swift on their prey: as yet Unknown to thee, 0 Italy, sailed they forth, For thee begging death from the heavens,
Death from the ocean, yea, death from brethren.
Proudly afar shone Genova's citadel Rearing her stately marble-built palaces, Starlike with clustered lights, and distant Music that died on the moonlit waters.
0 House, where Genius,* mighty, prophetical, Bade Pisacane steer on his fateful path To Naples, 0 Dwelling whence Byron Thirsted for valiant Missolonghi I
• Mazzini.
Those marble heights were crowned with Olympian Glory upon that eve of the fifth of May : Lo, great as the sacrifice offered, Great was the victory, 0 ye Muses.
Pure star of Venus, star of our Italy, Star of our Caesar, fair was thy smile that night : Sure never a springtime more holy Didst thou illumine for hearts Italian, Since long ago tEneas' ship silently, Big with the future, breasted the Tiber stream, And Pallas was slain near the hills, which Witnessed the towers of Rome arising.
G. L. BICKBESTETH.
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