1. To the River Po

Fair river! in thy bright, clear flow

Of crystal, wandering water,

Thou art an emblem of the glow

Of beauty — the unbidden heart —

The playful maziness of art

In old Alberto’s daughter;

 

But when within thy wave she looks —

Which glistens then, and trembles —

Why, then the prettiest of brooks

Her worshipper resembles;

For in his heart, as in thy stream,

Her image deeply lies —

His heart which trembles at the beam

Of her soul-searching eyes.