Classic Poem

XXVI.

" And we will speak of simpler things
Than those deep moods that love inspires;
But say, if ease my medicine brings,
Or fills thy brain with restless fires? "

XXVII.

" O! all within is calm and bliss;
My pulses bound like stags at play.
Yet once I knew a joy like this,
When first Crescentius owned my sway.

XXVIII.

" I made him leave his guarded tower
By specious words of sage deceit;
Soon Rome was taught her emperor's power;
Soon lay his corpse before my feet. "

XXIX.

" And dost thou still, O King! rejoice
To think how then the Roman died,
Who trusting thine imperial voice,
For life, for all on thee relied?

XXX.

" 'Twas said, but sooth it cannot be,
That Otho's lips unfaltering swore,
The Roman state should still be free,
Its Consul ne'er be perilled more. "