Muses of Sicily, a loftier song

Wake we! Some tire of shrubs and myrtles low.

Are woods our theme? Then princely be the woods.

Come are those last days that the Sibyl sang;

The ages’ mighty march begins anew.

Now comes the virgin, Saturn reigns again;

Now from high heaven descends a wondrous race.

Thou on the new-born babe—who first shall end

That age of iron, bid a golden dawn

Upon the broad world—chaste Lucina, smile: