Sir John Hanmer

Gondolier's Song: In An Unfinished Mask

From Venice, while the moonlight falls Brightest o'er her porphyry halls, Gilding with unearthly ray, Dome and column, worn and grey, Till, as in a fairy dream, Prouder, statelier, they seem In the hour of their decay, Than when from the Adrian shore, First the breeze their banner bore, Bless'd by mothers, many a one, 'Gainst the fiery Ottoman: We are coming, never fear Knew the joyous Gondolier. Ne'er, where dance and song united, Ne'er, where beauty's lamp was lighted, Was he absent, hail our bark! Ne'er the Lion of St. Mark Flew on the Illyrian blast, To his triumphs half so fast As we've come o'er land and sea To join in your festivity.