Hither, unheralded by voice of fame.

Except as a fair foreigner you came:

Light was the welcome that we had prepared —

Even our sympathies you scarcely shared;

Not as the artist whom our people knew —

As some fresh novice did we look on you.

Mark the great change!! Since that eventful night,

Only your wondrous art remains in sight.

Despite the fetters of a foreign tongue,

Jealousy round your matchless talent hung;