Full of sharp hatred and stern vengeances,

Which yet were beautiful to him and me

Who lived and loved each other and were young;

But unto thee, born in a softer hour,

Come as dim echoes of some warlike peal.

Thou bearest an honorable name, my son,

Two mighty houses meet and blend in thee;

For I, thy mother, of the warlike line

Of Bardi, lords of Florence in past time,

Was daughter, and thy sire Ippolito