Classic Poem

SWEDEN .

A wondrous Queen wert thou all men will own,
Proud scion of the grim, old, troublous Norse;
Whether in robes of state, or on thy horse
Leading men battleward, thy genius shone.

Thy soul patrician yearned not for a throne,
But bloomed for Art and Lore, and found new force
When, leaving icy realms without remorse,
It sought the joys of Italy alone.

Yet wise men say thy abdication's shame
Was fear-inspired and that by danger pressed
Thou spurnedst the crown! but history will proclaim
That thy pure, regal blood no dread confessed.
Let men who doubt, look to thy queenly name
Signed with a sword in Monaldeschi's breast!