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Matthew Arnold - Austerity Of Poetry
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That son of Italy  who tried to blow, 
Ere Dante  came, the trump of sacred song, 
In his light youth  amid a festal throng 
Sate with his bride to see a public show.

Fair was the bride, and on her front did glow 
Youth like a star; and what to youth belong--
Gay raiment, sparkling gauds, elation strong.
A prop gave way! crash fell a platform! lo,

`Mid struggling sufferers, hurt to death, she lay!
Shuddering, they drew her garments off--and found 
A robe of sackcloth  next the smooth, white skin. 

Such, poets, is your bride, the Muse! young, gay,
Radiant, adorn`d outside; a hidden ground
Of thought and of austerity within.
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