Matthew Arnold

Austerity of Poetry

That son of Italy who tried to blow*,
Ere Dante came, the trump of sacred song,  
In his light youth amid a festal throng  
Sate with his bride to see a public show.  
 
Fair was the bride, and on her front did glow
Youth like a star; and what to youth belong,  
Gay raiment, sparkling gauds, elation strong.  
A prop gave way! crash fell a platform! lo,  
 
Mid struggling sufferers, hurt to death, she lay!  
Shuddering they drew her garments off—and found
A robe of sackcloth next the smooth, white skin.  
 
Such, poets, is your bride, the Muse! young, gay,  
Radiant, adorn’d outside; a hidden ground  
Of thought and of austerity within.

(1867)

* Giacopone di Todi.

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