A Wreath Of Sonnets (8/14)

Where tempests roar and nature is unkind:

Such was our land since Samo's rule had passed

With Samo's spirit - now an icy blast

Sweeps o'er his grave reft from the nation's mind.

Our fathers' bickerings let Pepin bind

His yoke upon us, then came thick and fast

Bloodstained revolts and wars, the Turk at last -

With woes our history is deeply lined.

Our age of glory needs must disappear

When deeds of valour ceased in our past state

And triumphs that our songs could celebrate.

The flowers on our Parnassus shyly rear

Their heads - the flowers that have been spared by fate:

They were all fed on many a plaint and tear.