Chapter II: "perhaps Some Needful Service of the State"

Published 1810[A]

Perhaps some needful service of the State
Drew TITUS from the depth of studious bowers,
And doomed him to contend in faithless courts,
Where gold determines between right and wrong.
Yet did at length his loyalty of heart, 5
And his pure native genius, lead him back
To wait upon the bright and gracious Muses,
Whom he had early loved. And not in vain
Such course he held! Bologna's learned schools
Were gladdened by the Sage's voice, and hung 10
With fondness on those sweet Nestorian strains.[1]
There pleasure crowned his days; and all his thoughts
A roseate fragrance breathed.[2][B]--O human life,
That never art secure from dolorous change!
Behold a high injunction suddenly 15
To Arno's side hath brought him,[3] and he charmed
A Tuscan audience: but full soon was called
To the perpetual silence of the grave.
Mourn, Italy, the loss of him who stood
A Champion stedfast and invincible, 20
To quell the rage of literary War!

VARIANTS:

[1] 1815.

... Nestrian 1810.

[2] 1815.

There did he live content; and all his thoughts
Were blithe as vernal flowers.-- 1810.

[3] 1837.

To Arno's side conducts him, 1810.

FOOTNOTES:

[A] In _The Friend_, February 22.--ED.

[B] Ivi vivea giocondo ei suoi pensieri
Erano tutti rose.

The Translator had not skill to come nearer to his original.--W. W. 1815.