If identical probosces pinked the lovers who were bored
By the sentimental tinkling of Galuppi’s clavichord?
That’s from Browning (Robert Browning)—I have left his works at home,
And the poem I allude to isn’t in the Tauchnitz tome;
But, if memory serves me rightly, he was very much concerned
At the thought that in the sequel Venice reaped what Venice earned.
Was he thinking of mosquitoes? Did he mean their poisoned crop?
Was it through ammonia tincture that “the kissing had to stop”?
As for later loves—for Venice never quite mislaid her spell—
Madame Sand and dear De Musset occupied my own hotel!