Classic Poem

DEDICATION

There is among my thoughts the joyous plan
To fashion a bright-jewelled carcanet,
Which I upon such worthy brows would set,
To say, it suits them fairly as it can.
And now I have newly found a gentleman,
Of courtesies and birth commensurate,
Who better would become the imperial state
Than fits the gem within the signet's span.
Carlo di Messer Guerra Cavicciuoli,
Of him I speak, — brave, wise, of just award
And generous service, let who list command:
And lithelier limbed than ounce or leopard.
He holds not money-bags as children, holy;
For Lombard Este hath no freer hand.