XXVI.

The Commonwealth of Kings--the Men of Rome! And even since, and now, fair Italy! Thou art the Garden of the World, the Home Of all Art yields, and Nature can decree; Even in thy desert, what is like to thee? Thy very weeds are beautiful--thy waste More rich than other climes' fertility; Thy wreck a glory--and thy ruin graced With an immaculate charm which cannot be defaced.