CANAL AND BRIDGE

From the Rialto’s edge,

I looked into the waters, on whose face

Glimmered the reflex of some few faint stars,

And two far-flitting lamps of gondoliers,

That seemed on that black flat to move alone,

While, on each side, each well-known building lost

Its separate beauty in one dark long curve.

RICHARD MONCKTON MILNES.

The soul’s Rialto hath its merchandise.

ELIZABETH BARRETT BROWNING.