That son of Italy who tried to blow, <br />Ere Dante came, the trump of sacred song, <br />In his light youth amid a festal throng <br />Sate with his bride to see a public show. <br /> <br />Fair was the bride, and on her front did glow <br />Youth like a star; and what to youth belong-- <br />Gay raiment, sparkling gauds, elation strong. <br />A prop gave way! crash fell a platform! lo, <br /> <br />'Mid struggling sufferers, hurt to death, she lay! <br />Shuddering, they drew her garments off--and found <br />A robe of sackcloth next the smooth, white skin. <br /> <br />Such, poets, is your bride, the Muse! young, gay, <br />Radiant, adorn'd outside; a hidden ground <br />Of thought and of austerity within.<br /><br />Matthew Arnold<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/austerity-of-poetry/
