What though he perish, he may lift his eye VIII. Yet do I feel at times my mind decline, But much to One, who long hath suffered so, Like steel in tempering fire? because I loved? IX. I once was quick in feeling-that is o'er ;- Which snared me here, and with the brand of shame And woo compassion to a blighted name, A future temple of my present cell, Which nations yet shall visit for my sake. While thou, Ferrara! when no longer dwell The ducal chiefs within thee, shalt fall down, A poet's dungeon thy most far renown, Where the mind rots congenial with the abyss, This-this shall be a consecrated spot! But Thou-when all that Birth and Beauty throws Of magic round thee is extinct-shalt have One half the laurel which o'ershades my grave. No power in death can tear our names apart, As none in life could rend thee from my heart. Yes, Leonora! it shall be our fate To be entwined for ever-but too late! |