_THE EMPEROR'S PROGRESS._

A STUDY IN THREE STAGES.

(On the Busts of Nero in the Uffizj.)


I.


A child of brighter than the morning's birth
And lovelier than all smiles that may be smiled
Save only of little children undefiled,
Sweet, perfect, witless of their own dear worth,
Live rose of love, mute melody of mirth,
Glad as a bird is when the woods are mild,
Adorable as is nothing save a child,
Hails with wide eyes and lips his life on earth,
His lovely life with all its heaven to be.
And whoso reads the name inscribed or hears
Feels his own heart a frozen well of tears,
Child, for deep dread and fearful pity of thee
Whom God would not let rather die than see
The incumbent horror of impending years.


II.

Man, that wast godlike being a child, and now,
No less than kinglike, art no more in sooth