O Thou who movest onward with a mind
Intent upon thy way, pause, though in haste!
'Twill be no fruitless moment. I was born
Within Savona's walls of gentle blood.
On Tiber's banks my youth was dedicate
To sacred studies; and the Roman Shepherd
Gave to my charge Urbino's numerous Flock.
Much did I watch, much laboured; nor had power
To escape from many and strange indignities;
Was smitten by the great ones of the World,
But did not fall, for virtue braves all shocks,
Upon herself resting immoveably.
Me did a kindlier fortune then invite
To serve the glorious Henry, King of France,
And in his hands I saw a high reward
Stretched out for my acceptance--but Death came.--
Now, Reader, learn from this my fate--how false,
How treacherous to her promise is the World,
And trust in God--to whose eternal doom
Must bend the sceptred Potentates of Earth.

Design, coding, and editing: Copyright © 1997 by James M. Garrett. All rights reserved.