Of Mantua life was trodden out; so dark

The embers, that the Troubadour, who sung

Hundreds of songs, forgot, its trick his tongue,

Its craft his brain, how either brought to pass

Singing at all; that faculty might class

With any of Apollo's now. The year

Began to find its early promise sere

As well. Thus beauty vanishes; thus stone

Outlingers flesh: nature's and his youth gone,

They left the world to you, and wished you joy,