Volume IV Part 16 (1/2)
Back he fell while she spoke. She rose to her feet with a spring,-- ”That was a Piedmontese! and this is the Court of the King.”
AN AUGUST VOICE.
”Una voce augusta.”--_Monitore Toscano_.
I.
You'll take back your Grand-duke?
I made the treaty upon it.
Just venture a quiet rebuke; Dall' Ongaro write him a sonnet; Ricasoli gently explain Some need of the const.i.tution: He'll swear to it over again, Providing an ”easy solution.”
You'll call back the Grand-duke.
II.
You'll take back your Grand-duke?
I promised the Emperor Francis To argue the case by his book, And ask you to meet his advances.
The Ducal cause, we know (Whether you or he be the wronger), Has very strong points;--although Your bayonets, there, have stronger.
You'll call back the Grand-duke.
You'll take back your Grand-duke?
He is not pure altogether.
For instance, the oath which he took (In the Forty-eight rough weather) He'd ”nail your flag to his mast,”
Then softly scuttled the boat you Hoped to escape in at last, And both by a ”Proprio motu.”
You'll call back the Grand-duke.
IV.
You'll take back your Grand-duke?
The scheme meets nothing to shock it In this smart letter, look, We found in Radetsky's pocket; Where his Highness in sprightly style Of the flower of his Tuscans wrote, ”These heads be the hottest in file; Pray shoot them the quickest.” Quote, And call back the Grand-duke.
V.
You'll take back your Grand-duke?
There _are_ some things to object to.
He cheated, betrayed, and forsook, Then called in the foe to protect you.
He taxed you for wines and for meats Throughout that eight years' pastime Of Austria's drum in your streets-- Of course you remember the last time You called back your Grand-duke?
VI.
You'll take back the Grand-duke?
It is not race he is poor in, Although he never could brook The patriot cousin at Turin.
His love of kin you discern, By his hate of your flag and me-- So decidedly apt to turn All colours at the sight of the Three.[14]
You'll call back the Grand-duke.
VII.