English poem
The Ancient Tuscan Poetry
by Giosuè Carducci (1835–1907)
A child in gardens, fields, and city squares I grew 'mid war's alarms and love's alluring; But manhood's school of mysteries and cares Enticed me to the temple's dark immuring.
Where now the lofty dames, with glance securing What free-born knight or brave civilian dares? Bright April days the roses bloom assuring? The oak that through the castle rampart stares?
Poor and alone, again to that dear dwelling I come where pious love did once deny That I should heed the Enchantress' sweet impelling. Open! O Child: though be the times awry, Thy vision, Beatrice, wakes my heart's rebelling,— Open! The Tuscan poesy am I!
LEVIA GRAVIA.