. ITALIA! thou art fallen, though with sheen
Of battle-spears thy clamorous armies stride
From the north Alps to the Sicilian tide!
Ay! fallen, though the nations hail thee Queen
Because rich gold in every town is seen,
And on thy sapphire lake in tossing pride
Of wind-filled vans thy myriad galleys ride
Beneath one flag of red and white and green.
O Fair and Strong! O Strong and Fair in vain!
Look southward where Rome's desecrated town
Lies mourning for her God-anointed King!
Look heaven-ward! shall God allow this thing?
Nay! but some flame-girt Raphael shall come down,
And smite the Spoiler with the sword of pain.
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Comments2I remember reading this poem when I was younger and I still love it now! It really captures that mix of beauty and sorrow.
I haven't read this one in years - its really stuck with me though. Has anyone else wondered if it's saying that material wealth doesn't equate to real strength? Love the strong vibes and beautiful language, even if its a bit complex.