Dante

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1892 edition. Excerpt: ...sword, And " duty," " justice," are his warning words. Ere heart of mine can give one beat for thee, It needs must throb a hundred times for Florence. And yet, O Guido! if thou couldst but know How much my heart does daily throb for thee, 'Twould ease thy pain at turning face from home. Guido. Tell me of thy heart's love when thy mind acts In unison with that love. Corso. Now scratch the claws, And where's the velvet? Dal Col. Nay, be patient, Corso; Wait, wait, be patient; all may change to-morrow. Corso. Oft patience of to-day conceives regret That kills to-morrow in the bringing forth. Dino (to Marco). Next we may amble exiled toes and heels On foreign soil. Marco (aside). Thou couldst, my friend, long since, If thou hadst favoured politics 'stead puddings. Dante. Here let us part still friends. Necessity, Not malice, prompts our acts; a mightier far Than we controls this hour. Tis Florence speaks, Beseeching peace, and in that name, depart! Exeunt Dante and Priors. Corso (fiercely). To hell with thee! It is of that thou singest, There wert begotten, there dost thou belong! Dal Col. If sent by thee, surely he'll never go. Thou'dst better learn thy passions to subdue. Corso. Subdue? Ask famished beggar not to hunger When wheaten loaf before his eyes be held. Ask prisoned drunkard not to thirst when wine Is poured between his bars. Ask libertine To seek no kiss when chance a beauty throws Into his arms. Subdue? When every word That arch-fiend Dante spoke was dagger thrust Into this heart, and stirred its molten depths, Kindling its smould'ring flame until the fire Of passions long pent-up broke forth anew. Subdue? Myself into another world! Crush out all my party zeal, raze walls of Florence, Let strangers steal our daughters, slave our sons,...