II.

The blinded wanderer sees the far-off light Of shadowy Alp, and his the lingering glow That breathes in western skies along the low And gleaming marshes darkening with the night. Not bluer to fond eyes that see most clear Are Naples’ waves than break they in his sight; Nor floats St. Peter’s dome in softer light, Seen from the Pincian, than its image fair Rests in the pilgrim’s heart that in Rome sings Its _Nunc dimittis_, whether it hold dear For Brutus’ sake the city, or revere The holier presence shadowing with strong wings The mighty one, earth’s new Jerusalem, Whose virtue fills her very garment’s hem.