Rising with smutted walls and blackened towers;
The vaporetto, with erratic motion,
Muddies the waters with its carbon-showers.
And such she is! Progress's dismal dowers
Have spoilt the picture; now the eye may feast
On garish signs and posters. Gracious powers!
Sewing-machines and hair-washes at least
Might spare the Grand Canal. Trade is an ogre-ish beast!
In Venice Vulcan's echoes hiss and roar,
And idle sits the hapless Gondolier.