If aught obscure,—if ink-spot, from vile pens

Scribbling a charge against him—(I was glad

Then, for the first time, that I could not write)—

Flirted his way, have flecked the blaze!

For me,

'T is otherwise: let men take, sift my thoughts

—Thoughts I throw like the flax for sun to bleach!

I did pray, do pray, in the prayer shall die,

"Oh, to have Caponsacchi for my guide!"

Ever the face upturned to mine, the hand