VENETIAN SPELL

O spell of dawn!

From opal skies a roseate mist floats out,

And slowly wraps the towers and domes about.

All Venice sleeps—nay, yonder a black barge

Slides to the open from the dusky marge.

O spell of silence!

Peace of mind and soul—the plash of oars,

Perchance a distant bell from island shores;

Upon the glassy stillness of the mere