The world before her smiles—its changeful gaze

She hath not proved as yet; her path seems gay

With flowers and sunshine, and the voice of praise

Is still the joyous herald of her way;

And beauty’s light around her dwells, to throw

O’er every scene its own resplendent glow.

Such is the young Bianca—graced with all

That nature, fortune, youth, at once can give;

Pure in their loveliness, her looks recall

Such dreams as ne’er life’s early bloom survive;