THE EMPEROR'S PROGRESS.
A STUDY IN THREE STAGES.
(On the Busts of Nero in the Uffizj.)
i.
And lovelier than all smiles that may be smiled
Save only of little children undefiled,
Sweet, perfect, witless of their own dear worth,
Live rose of love, mute melody of mirth,
Glad as a bird is when the woods are mild,
Adorable as is nothing save a child,
Hails with wide eyes and lips his life on earth,
