The Works of Dante Gabriel Rossetti :: :: University of Virginia Library

Guido, an image of my lady dwells
At San Michele in Orto, consecrate
And duly worshipped. Fair in holy state
She listens to the tale each sinner tells:
And among them that come to her, who ails
The most, on him the most doth blessing wait.
She bids the fiend men's bodies abdicate;
Over the curse of blindness she prevails,
And heals sick languors in the public squares.
A multitude adores her reverently:
Before her face two burning tapers are;
Her voice is uttered upon paths afar.
Yet through the Lesser Brethren's jealousy
She is named idol; not being one of theirs.

The Franciscans, in profession of deeper poverty and humility than belonged to other Orders, called themselves Fratres minores.

University of Virginia Library

VI TO GUIDO ORLANDI

Sonnet

Of a consecrated Image resembling his Lady

VI
TO GUIDO ORLANDI