Classic Poem

PREFACE TO THE APOLOGUE .

W HY absent, Ludovico , from the chair
By Leo fill'd? — the Poet's Friend is there.
Away to Rome! — it is the Vatican
That is the very scene for such a man.
Had you but gone to Rome — as quick as thought
Such wit as thine a benefice had caught. "
Thus tickled, thus from home I was allur'd,
As if the golden mine could be ensur'd.
I had been once a favourite of the Pope —
And was it not a patent for my hope?
Amongst his bosom-friends he noted me ,
Before his talents rais'd him to the See;
Before proud Florence call'd her Exile home,
I knew him when through deserts he could roam;
Before Orbino cheer'd his falling state,
When, opening wide her hospitable gate,
She gave him spirits of Apollo's train,
Where Sadolet and Bembo sooth'd his pain.
But, when the Medici their standards rear'd,
The Arts reviv'd, and Faction disappear'd;
When Leo's name the holy Pontiff took,
And wielded in his hand the sainted crook;
Me like an absent Brother he address'd —
Forgive me — if it rais'd a Poet's crest!
I saw him — and was kiss'd upon my cheek;
Renew'd the Courtier's homage for a week;
Then homeward from the Summer's dream retir'd,
Cur'd of my hopes — but of the journey tir'd.
By jealous friends Giovanni was arraign'd,
And libellers the holy man profan'd;
But I defended him — and with a tale,
Which you may read when other comments fail.