DOI Seite / Zitierlink:
https://doi.org/10.11588/diglit.55699#0086
62
THE LANDSCAPE ANNUAL.
the head of a band of the boldest sailors, he instantly set
sail in pursuit of the pirates. The most fearful anxiety
reigned through Venice when they saw him depart—but
terror was speedily exchanged for the most vivid delight.
After a rapid pursuit, the doge had come up with the
corsairs on the coast of Friuli, and there giving them
battle had cut them nearly all in pieces, and delivered
the brides in perfect safety from their hands. An an-
nual festival was instituted in commemoration of this
event.
Thus were the brides
Lost and recover’d; and what now remain’d
But to give thanks ? Twelve breast-plates and twelve crowns,
By the young victors to their patron saint
Vow’d in the field, inestimable gifts
Flaming with gems and gold, were in due time
Laid at his feet; and ever to preserve
The memory of a day so full of change,
From joy to grief, from grief to joy again,
Through many an age, as oft as it came round
’T was held religiously. The doge resign’d
His crimson for pure ermine, visiting
At earliest dawn St. Mary’s silver shrine;
And through the city, in a stately barge
Of gold, were borne with songs and symphonies
Twelve ladies, young and noble. Clad they were
In bridal white with bridal ornaments,
Each in her glittering veil; and on the deck,
As on a burnish’d throne, they glided by;
No window or balcony but adorn’d
With hangings of rich texture, not a roof
But cover’d with beholders, and the air
Vocal with joy.
Nothing can better prove the condition in which Ve-
nice must have long continued, when such a hardy
THE LANDSCAPE ANNUAL.
the head of a band of the boldest sailors, he instantly set
sail in pursuit of the pirates. The most fearful anxiety
reigned through Venice when they saw him depart—but
terror was speedily exchanged for the most vivid delight.
After a rapid pursuit, the doge had come up with the
corsairs on the coast of Friuli, and there giving them
battle had cut them nearly all in pieces, and delivered
the brides in perfect safety from their hands. An an-
nual festival was instituted in commemoration of this
event.
Thus were the brides
Lost and recover’d; and what now remain’d
But to give thanks ? Twelve breast-plates and twelve crowns,
By the young victors to their patron saint
Vow’d in the field, inestimable gifts
Flaming with gems and gold, were in due time
Laid at his feet; and ever to preserve
The memory of a day so full of change,
From joy to grief, from grief to joy again,
Through many an age, as oft as it came round
’T was held religiously. The doge resign’d
His crimson for pure ermine, visiting
At earliest dawn St. Mary’s silver shrine;
And through the city, in a stately barge
Of gold, were borne with songs and symphonies
Twelve ladies, young and noble. Clad they were
In bridal white with bridal ornaments,
Each in her glittering veil; and on the deck,
As on a burnish’d throne, they glided by;
No window or balcony but adorn’d
With hangings of rich texture, not a roof
But cover’d with beholders, and the air
Vocal with joy.
Nothing can better prove the condition in which Ve-
nice must have long continued, when such a hardy