Could touch and turn its dunnest natures bright,

—Since Italy means the Land of the Ox, we know.

Well, how was it the due succession fell

From priest to priest who ministered i' the cool

Calm fane o' the Clitumnian god? The sire

Brought forth a son and sacerdotal sprout,

Endowed instinctively with good and grace

To suit the gliding gentleness below—

Did he? Tradition tells another tale.

Each priest obtained his predecessor's staff,