Page:Songs of the Affections.pdf/231

From Wikisource
Jump to navigation Jump to search
This page has been validated.
TASSO'S CORONATION.
223



Sing, sing for him, the lord of song, for him, whose rushing strain
In mastery o'er the spirit sweeps, like a strong wind o'er the main!
Whose voice lives deep in burning hearts, for ever there to dwell,
As full-toned oracles are shrined in a temple's holiest cell.

Yes! for him, the victor,
Sing,—but low, sing low!
A soft sad miserere chant
For a soul about to go!


The sun, the sun of Italy is pouring o'er his way,
Where the old three hundred triumphs moved, a flood of golden day;
Streaming through every haughty arch of the Cæsars’ past renown—
Bring forth, in that exulting light, the conqueror for his crown!