Your sea-washed strand with fair columnar cities,
Built high of glossiest sun-enamelled stone.
Forever o’er your myrtle-shaded vales,
Reclined on summer clouds, did Aphrodite
And golden Eros lean, kindling the air
With passion’s rosy glow. In all the earth
Beside, did visible nature never wear
Robes so resplendent. Through the luminous folds
Of your transparent atmosphere appeared
Unequalled prospects to enchant the eye;