The poetical works of Matthew Arnold/Austerity of Poetry
AUSTERITY OF POETRY
That son of Italy who tried to blow,8
Ere Dante came, the trump of sacred song,
In his light youth amid a festal throng
Sate with his bride to see a public show.
Fair was the bride, and on her front did glow
Youth like a star; and what to youth belong,—
Gay raiment, sparkling gauds, elation strong.
A prop gave way! crash fell a platform! Lo,
Mid struggling sufferers, hurt to death, she lay!
Shuddering, they drew her garments off—and found
A robe of sackcloth next the smooth, white skin.
Such, poets, is your bride, the Muse! young, gay,
Radiant, adorned outside; a hidden ground
Of thought and of austerity within.