POEMS BY ALFRED TENNYSON, D. C. L. POET LAUREATE. WITH ILLUSTRATIONS BY MILLAIS, STANFIELD, CRESWICK, MULREADY, HORSLEY, ETC. ETC. NEW EDITION. LONDON: ROUTLEDGE, WARNE, AND ROUTLEDGE, FARRINGDON STREET NEW YORK: 56, WALKER STREET. 1864. AZIONALE FIRENZE TO THE QUEEN. REVERED, beloved-O you that hold Than arms, or power of brain, or birth Could give the warrior kings of old, VICTORIA, since your Royal grace And should your greatness, and the care Then-while a sweeter music wakes, And thro' wild March the throstle calls, The sun-lit almond-blossom shakes Take, Madam, this poor book of song; And leave us rulers of your blood 'Her court was pure; her life serene; 'And statesmen at her council met Who knew the seasons when to take Occasion by the hand, and make By shaping some august decree, Which kept her throne unshaken still, Broad-based upon her people's will, And compass'd by the inviolate sea.' MARCH, 1851. |