 | Sonnets and Miscellaneous Poems by the late Thomas Russell |  |
6
SONNET VI. TO BOCCACCIO.
Not for thy Gothic Trumpet's martial rage,
Not for thy Latian Bays, nor that 'twas thine
The Tuscan's rugged period to refine,
Nor yet, Boccaccio, that thy faithful page
Reflects the genuine manners of thy Age,
Nor that, enliven'd at thy sprightlier style,
Pale Sorrow's Victims smooth the brow, and smile;
For nought of worth like this, immortal Sage,
Haste I to twine this garland round thy tomb;
But that I oft have shar'd Nastagio's fears
At his dread Vision, oft have wept the doom
Of fair Ghismonda, sunk in early years,
I crown thee with this chaplet's simple bloom,
The Bard sublime of Terrour, and of Tears.
Not for thy Latian Bays, nor that 'twas thine
The Tuscan's rugged period to refine,
Nor yet, Boccaccio, that thy faithful page
Reflects the genuine manners of thy Age,
Nor that, enliven'd at thy sprightlier style,
Pale Sorrow's Victims smooth the brow, and smile;
For nought of worth like this, immortal Sage,
Haste I to twine this garland round thy tomb;
But that I oft have shar'd Nastagio's fears
At his dread Vision, oft have wept the doom
Of fair Ghismonda, sunk in early years,
I crown thee with this chaplet's simple bloom,
The Bard sublime of Terrour, and of Tears.
Boccaccio wrote the Theseida an Epic poem in Ottava Rima, and several Latin works; but owes his reputation chiefly to the Decamerone, the style of which is still considered as the standard of perfection in the Italian language. Among the many humorous and licentious tales, which form this work, are some of a more serious character. Such are the two here mention'd, which Dryden has imitated under the names of Theodore and Honoria, Sigismonda and Guiscardo.
| Sonnets and Miscellaneous Poems by the late Thomas Russell | |