DESCRIPTION OF FLORENCE.

FLORENCE within the old encirclement,

From which, e'en now, peal forth both tierce and nones,

In peace, shamefaced and modest, still abode.

Hers were not golden chains nor coronets,

Nor jewelled dames bedecked, nor costumes odd

Far more to see than were their wearers' selves.

At birth, the daughter caused no pangs of fear

Unto her father's heart, lest age or dowry

On this side or on that due bounds o'erpass.

Hers were no houses void of occupants,

Nor yet was here Sardanapalus come

To show us all that can be done in-doors.

Rome viewed from Montemalo yet was not

Surpassed by Florence from Uccellattoi',

But now just as surpassed in springing up,

So shall she be surpassed in utter fall.

Then did I see Bellincion Berti walk,

Begirt with simple leather clasped with bone;

And from her mirror came his spouse with face

Unpainted. Nerli's son and Vecchios, too,

Were full content with undressed skins alone;

With spindle, too, and distaff were their wives.

O, fortunate were ye! Then was each one

Sure of her burial-place, as yet was none

Deserted in her bed for gain in France.

Thus one would keep a loving watch beside

Her child, and lulling lisp that language old,

All fathers' first delight and mothers' joy.

Another, too, what time she busy spun,

Would tell to all her family round a tale

Of Fiesole, of Trojans, and of Rome.

Foul Lapo Saltarell', Cianghella lewd,

Had then been counted marvels great as now

Were Cincinnatus and Cornelia proud.

L. D.