Classic Poem

The noble house Gonzaga gave thee birth.
In rich-wrought stones and medals still survives
The fame of its renowned and pious lives.
While thou wast yet of tender age and girth

Thy spirit had no longer eyes for earth;
Called to a glorious company, it strives
To lay thy youthful flesh in rigid gyves,
And school it to contempt of this world's worth.

Thou art the topstone of thine ancient house.
And in the company where thou hast spent
Thy scarce six years of cloistered penitence

They set thee high. But greatest recompense
Of all thou hast, thou art with Stanislaus
Kotska in Heaven a tender ornament.