At a step, I crown the Campanile’s top,

And view all mapped below; islands, lagoon,

A hundred steeples and a million roofs,

The fruitful champaign, and the cloud-capt Alps,

And the broad Adriatic. Be it enough;

If I lose this, how terrible! No, no,

I am contented, and will not complain.

To the old paths, my soul! Oh, be it so!

I bear the workday burden of dull life

About these footsore flags of a weary world,