Incomparable Italy, farewell! <br />Tears not unmanly trespass to the eyes, <br />From thy soft touch and glance unspeakable <br />Compelled to turn and suffer other skies. <br />E'en as I leave thee, the maternal vine <br />Under the weight of clustering fruitage bends; <br />And the plump fig, beyond where tendrils twine, <br />Shows greener, moister, as the sap ascends. <br />When I return, as I most surely will, <br />Me will salute the thirst-dispelling grape, <br />Purple or opal, and when noon is still, <br />The snow-cold fruit provoke permitted rape. <br />Even, dear land, flourish thy fortunes so, <br />Which, formed, need only interval to grow.<br /><br />Alfred Austin<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/farewell-to-italy/
