III. STANZAS Written in passing the Ambracian Gulph, 1. THROUGH cloudless skies, in silvery sheen, Full beams the moon on Actium's coast: And on these waves for Egypt's queen The ancient world was won and lost. 2. And now upon the scene I look, The azure grave of many a Roman; Where stern Ambition once forsook His wavering crown to follow woman. 3. Florence! whom I will love as well (Since Orpheus sang his spouse from hell) Whilst thou art fair and I am young; 4. Sweet Florence! those were pleasant times, 5. Though Fate forbids such things to be,.. I cannot lose a world for thee, But would not lose thee for a world! IV. STANZAS Composed October 11th 1809, during the night; in a thunder-storm, when the guides had lost the road to Zitza, near the range of mountains formerly called Pindus, in Albania. 1. CHILL and mirk is the nightly blast, Where Pindus' mountains rise, And angry clouds are pouring fast 2. Our guides are gone, our hope is lost, But show where rocks our path have crost, 3. Is yon a cot I saw, though low? 4. Through sounds of foaming waterfalls I hear a voice exclaim My way-worn countryman, who calls On distant England's name. 5. A shot is fir'd-by foe or friend? The mountain-peasants to descend, And lead us where they dwell. 6. Oh! who in such a night will dare And who 'mid thunder peals can hear Our signal of distress? 7. And who that heard our shouts would rise To try the dubious road? Nor rather deem from nightly cries That outlaws were abroad. 8. Clouds burst, skies flash, oh, dreadful hour! More fiercely pours the storm! Yet here one thought has still the power To keep my bosom warm. |