THE POETICAL WORKS OF WILLIAM WORDSWORTH, VOL. 8 (Completed)

XXV -- AFTER LEAVING ITALY

[I had proof in several instances that the Carbonari, if I may still call them so, and their favourers, are opening their eyes to the necessity of patience, and are intent upon spreading knowledge actively but quietly as they can. May they have resolution to continue in this course! for it is the only one by which they can truly benefit their country. We left Italy by the way which is called the "Nuova Strada de Allmagna," to the east of the high passes of the Alps, which take you at once from Italy into Switzerland. This road leads across several smaller heights, and winds down different vales in succession, so that it was only by the accidental sound of a few German words that I was aware we had quitted Italy, and hence the unwelcome shock alluded to in the two or three last lines of the latter sonnet.--I.F.]

Fair Land! Thee all men greet with joy; how few,

Whose souls take pride in freedom, virtue, fame,

Part from thee without pity dyed in shame:

I could not--while from Venice we withdrew,

Led on till an Alpine strait confined our view[159]

Within its depths, and to the shore we came

Of Lago Morto, dreary sight and name,

Which o'er sad thoughts a sadder colouring threw.

Italia! on the surface of thy spirit,

(Too aptly emblemed by that torpid lake)

Shall a few partial breezes only creep?--

Be its depths quickened; what thou dost inherit

Of the world's hopes, dare to fulfil; awake,

Mother of Heroes, from thy death-like sleep!

[159] They left Venice by the Nuova Strada de Allmagna, resting at Logerone, Sillian, Spittal (in Carinthia), and thence on to Salzburg.--ED.