99
He turned him round, and dropt with hiding head,
And, in that loosening drop, his spirit fled.
And, in that loosening drop, his spirit fled.
But noble passion touched Giovanni's soul;
He seemed to feel the clouds of habit roll
Away from him at once, with all their scorning;
And out he spoke in the clear air of morning:—
"By heaven, by heaven, and all the better part
"Of us poor creatures with a human heart,
"I trust we reap at last, as well as plough;—
"But there, meantime, my brother, liest thou;
"And, Paulo, thou wert the completest knight,
"That ever rode with banner to the fight;
"And thou wert the most beautiful to see,
"That ever came in press of chivalry;
"And of a sinful man, thou wert the best,
"That ever for his friend put spear in rest;
"And thou wert the most meek and cordial,
"That ever among ladies eat in hall;
He seemed to feel the clouds of habit roll
Away from him at once, with all their scorning;
And out he spoke in the clear air of morning:—
"By heaven, by heaven, and all the better part
"Of us poor creatures with a human heart,
"I trust we reap at last, as well as plough;—
"But there, meantime, my brother, liest thou;
"And, Paulo, thou wert the completest knight,
"That ever rode with banner to the fight;
"And thou wert the most beautiful to see,
"That ever came in press of chivalry;
"And of a sinful man, thou wert the best,
"That ever for his friend put spear in rest;
"And thou wert the most meek and cordial,
"That ever among ladies eat in hall;
