AT ALBANO [116]

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by williamwordsworth

by williamwordsworth

[This Sonnet is founded on simple fact, and was written to enlarge, if possible, the views of those who can see nothing but evil in the intercessions countenanced by the Church of Rome. That they are in many respects lamentably pernicious must be acknowledged; but, on the other hand, they who reflect, while they see and observe, cannot but be struck with instances which will prove that it is a great error to condemn in all cases such mediation as purely idolatrous. This remark bears with especial force upon addresses to the Virgin.--I.F.]

Days passed--and Monte Calvo would not clear

His head from mist; and, as the wind sobbed through

Albano's dripping Ilex avenue,[117]

My dull forebodings in a Peasant's ear

Found casual vent. She said, "Be of good cheer;

Our yesterday's procession did not sue

In vain; the sky will change to sunny blue,

Thanks to our Lady's grace." I smiled to hear,

But not in scorn:--the Matron's Faith may lack

The heavenly sanction needed to ensure

Fulfilment; but, we trust, her upward track[118]

Stops not at this low point, nor wants the lure

Of flowers the Virgin without fear may own,

For by her Son's blest hand the seed was sown.

[116] Albano, 10 miles south-east of Rome, is a small town and episcopal residence, a favourite autumnal resort of Roman citizens. Itis on the site of the ruins of the villa of Pompey. Monte Carlo (the Monte Calvo of this sonnet) is the ancient Mons Latialis, 3127 feet high. At its summit, a convent of Passionist Monks occupies the site of the ancient temple of Jupiter.--ED.

[117] The ilex-grove of the Villa Doria is one of the most marked features of Albano.--ED.

[118] 1845.

Its own fulfilment; but her upward track

1842.