Modern Italian Poets - Essays and Versions by William Dean Howells
page 35 of 358 (09%)
page 35 of 358 (09%)
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other, as for instance when they met with reproaches and offered the
spectacle of a lover's quarrel to the company. In either case, it is for the hero to lead the lady out to dinner. With a bound Rise to thy feet, signor, and give thy hand Unto thy lady, whom, tenderly drooping, Support thou with thy strength, and to the table Accompany, while the guests come after you. And last of all the husband follows.... Or rather-- If to the husband still The vestige of a generous soul remain, Let him frequent another board; beside Another lady sit, whose husband dines Yet somewhere else beside another lady, Whose spouse is likewise absent; and so add New links unto the chain immense, wherewith Love, alternating, binds the whole wide world. Behold thy lady seated at the board: Relinquish now her hand, and while the servant Places the chair that not too far she sit, And not so near that her soft bosom press Too close against the table, with a spring Stoop thou and gather round thy lady's feet The wandering volume of her robe. Beside her Then sit thee down; for the true cavalier |
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