Classic Poem

1.

Turner , thy pencil brings to mind a day
When from Laveno and the Beuscer hill
I over Lake Verbanus held my way,
In pleasant fellowship, with wind at will;
Smooth were the waters wide, the sky serene,
And our hearts gladden'd with the joyful scene; —

2.

Joyful, — for all things minister'd delight, —
The lake and land, the mountains and the vales;
The Alps their snowy summits rear'd in light,
Tempering with gelid breath the summer gales;
And verdant shores and woods refresh'd the eye
That else had ached beneath that brilliant sky.

3.

To that elaborate island were we bound,
Of yore the scene of Borromean pride, —
Folly's prodigious work; where all around,
Under its coronet and self-belied,
Look where you will, you cannot choose but see
The obtrusive motto's proud " H UMILITY ! "

4.

Far off the Borromean saint was seen,
Distinct, though distant, o'er his native town,
Where his Colossus with benignant mien
Looks from its station on Arona down:
To it the inland sailor lifts his eyes,
From the wide lake, when perilous storms arise.

5.

But no storm threaten'd on that summer-day;
The whole rich scene appear'd for joyance made;
With many a gliding bark the mere was gay,
The fields and groves in all their wealth array'd;
I could have thought the Sun beheld with smiles
Those towns, and palaces, and populous isles.

6.

From fair Arona, even on such a day,
When gladness was descending like a shower
Great painter, did thy gifted eye survey
The splendid scene; and, conscious of its power
Well hath thine hand inimitable given
The glories of the lake, and land, and heaven.