THE MANSION THAT ENDURED
(This legend, in prose, I found in a French collection, and have believed it would be acceptable rendered into verse. M. L.)
Back, in olden time when emperors
Ruled the land where Tiber flows,
Proud and stern dwelt Gondoforus,
As the ancient legend shows.
As he mused in hours of leisure,
Came into his brain this thought:
"Straight I'll build, for mine own glory
Here, a palace deftly wrought