Harmonies (Howe collection)/Geography

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GEOGRAPHY
When you were once in Italy
 Its consecrated map
Glowed like an ancient broidery
 Immune from time's mishap.

And where you tarried for a space
 In fabled cities there,
Each spot took on a passing grace
 That made the map more fair.

The name of Florence shone as clear
 Beneath my curious gaze
As if a Beatrice drew near
 To light our darker days.

And Venice by the bridegroom sea
 Stood radiant as of yore;
 ​What wonder if its glow for me
 A nuptial semblance bore!

In Rome's eternity of youth,
 'Gainst every shock secure,
I saw what things of love and truth
 May perish yet endure.

So much for Italy: you turned
 New countries to salute,—
The map became once more a spurned,
 Disreputable boot.

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