Mystic Chords of Memory Binding All Italians
Italy was reunited in 1861. However, the mystic chords of memory binding all Italians predate Garibaldi, Cavour and Mazzini.
When the Kingdom of Italy came into being in 1861, it marked the rebirth of a nation-state forged by the Romans in defeating the Gauls at Telamon (Talamone). By March 1, 222 BC, protective colonies were established at Placentia and Cremona — and from the Alps to Sicily, Italy was one. Caesar Augustus felt and encouraged a new patriotic feeling for Italy, echoed by Virgil's insistence on the country's Italian identity. The emperor's pro-Italian, pro-Roman worldview resulted in Augustus's title: “Pater Patriae” (Father of the Fatherland). By the time of Christ, this political unity had become a cultural one as well. To create Italy was the first great historical achievement of Rome; to make a political and cultural unity of the whole Mediterranean world was to repeat this task on a larger scale.
The Augustan Age also marked the start of the Pax Romana (27 BC-180 AD) — a two-century period of peace and prosperity that has yet to be equaled — as well as widespread reforms in the laws, civil administration and governance of Italy. The Roman Peace stretched from Scotland to the Persian Gulf. When the Western Roman Empire fell in 476 AD, Italy came under the yoke of foreign occupation. Italian unity broke down in the 6th century in the wake of the Longobard invasion, leading to centuries of division. Reunification would not occur until the 19th century. But Dante Alighieri, Francesco Petrarch and Niccolo Machiavelli — among many others — kept the flame of patriotism and the dream of Italian unity alive.
Dante Alighieri's poetry went hand in hand with his patriotism. In addition to spawning the Italian vernacular — and writing one of Western civilization's most influential masterworks — Dante inspired a national reawakening that would become the Risorgimento. Dante despised the foreign occupiers who had dismembered the birthplace of the Pax Romana and the Renaissance.
In The Divine Comedy, Dante chose Virgil, the author of The Aeneid, as his guide through hell — but not as a mere literary device. Virgil's Aeneid was an ode to the unity and greatness of Roman Italy. What Garibaldi, Cavour and Mazzini achieved in 1861 was the rebirth of this classical polity. And Dante Alighieri played no small role in forging this reborn Italy.
The Renaissance sparked the rebirth of Italian civilization, which led to Galileo's modern scientific method, Da Vinci's wondrous technologies, Michelangelo's epochal art and the age of exploration as Columbus, Caboto, Verrazzano and Vespucci opened up the new world in the 15th century.
The Italian powers also entered a period of peace and cooperation, forming the Italic League. But by the end of this same century, the Italic League collapsed when France invaded Italy. There was no greater advocate of Italian unification during this time than Machiavelli. In The Prince, he invoked Petrarch's verse that “ancient and heroic pride in true Italian hearts has never died”.
The Italian spirit that animated Augustus and Virgil, and which inspired Dante, Petrarch and Machiavelli, is the same spirit that guided the Risorgimento and led to the reunification of Italy.
References:
• Virgil (Aeneid, 1st century BC)
• Dante Alighieri (The Divine Comedy, 1320)
• Petrarch (Invective Against a Detractor of Italy, 1373)
• Petrarch (Italia Mia in Il Canzoniere, 1336-1374)
• Niccolò Machiavelli (The Prince, 1532)
Italy in 1494
After the fall of the Roman Empire (476 AD), Italy went through a long period of political division that began with the Byzantine-Longobard fragmentation (568) and finally ended 1,293 years later, in 1861, with the Unification of Italy. In 1861, the Kingdom of Italy was proclaimed under the House of Savoy. During the 1,385 years between the fall of the Roman Empire and Italian Unification, the political situation of Italy constantly changed due to the different dynastic rulers, occupiers and invaders who plagued the Italian peninsula at various times, each with very different degrees of political impact, some more, others less: Vandals, Ostrogoths, Byzantines, Longobards, Franks, Saracens, Magyars, Normans, Germans, Spanish, French and Austrians.
The Papacy played a central role in Italian politics. Over the centuries, foreign sovereigns (or those who wished to become sovereigns) invaded the Italian States, sometimes at the request of the pope, other times to fight against the pope. The political disagreements between the Italian rulers, together with constant interference by foreign powers (particularly the monarchs of France, Spain and the Holy Roman Empire), led to constant wars and prevented Italian unity for many centuries. Despite this, Italy managed to remain one of the wealthiest, most literate and most culturally-advanced regions of Europe during this entire time period.
The devastating Italian Wars — with foreign powers vying for control of Italy — began in 1494, during the height of the Italian Renaissance, and ended in 1559. This was the political situation of Italy and the Italian States in 1494, at the outbreak of the war:
1. Duchy of Savoy - The cradle of the House of Savoy, the future Italian royal family. In 1494 it was ruled by Carlo Giovanni Amedeo of Savoy and included the duchy proper, the County of Nizza, the Duchy of Aosta and the Principality of Piedmont. Carlo was only six-years-old in 1494, therefore the actual sovereign was his mother Bianca of Montferrato, Regent-Duchess of Savoy. She allowed the French free passage into Italy during the Italian Wars. In future centuries the Dukes of Savoy expanded their domains to include the Marquisate of Saluzzo, the Margraviate of Montferrato, the County of Asti and eventually Sardinia and the Republic of Genoa (except Corsica, which was later occupied by France). By 1720 all their possessions were absorbed into the Kingdom of Sardinia. With the Unification of Italy in 1861, the Kingdom of Sardinia became the Kingdom of Italy.
2. Marquisate of Saluzzo - In 1494 it was ruled by Ludovico II of Saluzzo, who supported the French invasion during the Italian Wars.
3. Margraviate of Montferrato - In 1494 it was ruled by Bonifacio III of Monferrato, who died in the same year just weeks before the French invasion and was succeeded by his pro-French son Guglielmo IX of Montferrato. The latter was also father-in-law of Federico II Gonzaga, Duke of Mantua, who later inherited Montferrato through marriage.
4. County of Asti - In 1494 it was in dispute between Charles VIII, King of France and his cousin Louis XII, who later became King of France. Previously a free commune and independent republic (1095-1314), it lost its independence as a result of an invasion by Henry VII, Holy Roman Emperor. It was later ruled by the House of Visconti (1342-1356; 1379-1389) and Montferrato (1356-1378), but in 1378 passed to the Duke of Orleans through marriage to Valentina Visconti. Louis XII inherited it through his mother in 1482, but it remained in the hands of the Court of France.
5. Republic of Genoa - In 1494 it was ruled by Lodovico di Campofregoso, who was three times doge of Genoa. Together with the Republic of Venice it was one of the two most important Italian maritime republics, dominating maritime trade in the Mediterranean along with Venice for centuries. The Republic of Genoa also included Corsica.
6. Duchy of Milan - In 1494 it was ruled by Gian Galeazzo Sforza, of the House of Sforza. In the same year he died under highly suspicious circumstances at the age of 25 and was succeeded by his cousin Ludovico Sforza; the latter started the Italian Wars by inviting the French to invade Italy, but later regretted his decision and turned against France. One of the largest Italian States; the Duchy also included what is now Italian Switzerland.
7. Prince-Bishoprics of Trento and Bressanone - Two separate ecclesiastical principalities of the Holy Roman Empire; ruled by the Prince-Bishops of Trento and Bressanone. The bishops were endowed with secular power by the Holy Roman Emperor since 1027 and 1179, becoming ex officio temporal princes of their bishoprics. The princely titles were granted by the Holy Roman Emperor (and the ecclesiastical offices were often bestowed upon Germans) so that northeastern Italy could be controlled by men loyal to the Empire. In 1494 Trento was ruled by Ulrich IV von Liechtenstein; German bishops occupied the bishopric for nearly the entire century; Italian bishops did not regain the see until 1514. The territories of Trento previously included most of modern Trentino-Alto Adige, but the lands were usurped by their arch-enemy, the Count of Tyrol. In 1494 Bressanone was ruled by Melchior von Meckau; almost all bishops of this see were German with few exceptions.
8. Free Imperial City of Trieste - Culturally and linguistically Italian; since 1382 it was under the protection of the House of Habsburg, but retained its autonomy with a self-ruling government.
9. County of Gorizia - Culturally and linguistically Italian, but ruled by a German dynasty. In 1494 it was ruled by Leonhard of Gorizia, of the House of Gorizia, who was the last Count of Gorizia. His wife was Paola Gonzaga, daughter of Ludovico III Gonzaga, former Duke of Mantua (1444-1478). With no heir and facing the choice of having to transfer the lands either to the Venetians or the Habsburgs, he signed over the right of inheritance to the Habsburgs, who immediately occupied Gorizia upon his death in 1500.
10. Republic of Venice - One of the most important and most powerful Italian States, which existed for 1100 years (697-1797). In 1497 it was ruled by Doge Agostino Barbarigo, who opposed the French invasion during the Italian Wars. At the time it had one of the largest fleets in the world. The Republic of Venice also included Istria and Dalmatia, culturally and linguistically Italian.
11. Republic of Ragusa - An independent republic in Dalmatia; culturally and linguistically Italian; previously ruled by Venice (1205-1358), but independent since 1358; known as the fifth Italian Maritime Republic after Venice, Genoa, Pisa and Amalfi. The names of the rulers of Ragusa between 1417-1499 have not been recorded, but from 1500-1501 it was ruled by Rector Giunio Andrea de Bobali, of the House of Bobali, and Rector Simone de Benessa, of the House of Benessa.
12. Margravate of Mantua - In 1494 it was ruled by Federico II Gonzaga, of the House of Gonzaga, who later also inherited Montferrato through marriage. Under his rule the city of Mantua rapidly rose in importance as a seat of industry and culture.
13. Duchy of Ferrara, Modena and Reggio - In 1494 it was ruled by Ercole I d'Este, of the House of Este. Modena and Reggio was previously its own duchy (1452-1471), but from 1471 to 1597 Ferrara, Modena and Reggio were united into a single duchy under the House of Este.
14. Republic of Lucca - An independent republic in Tuscany; one of the smallest and least powerful of the major Italian States. In 1494 it was alternately governed by six Gonfaloniers of Justice: Giovan Battista Malpigli, Alessandro Diodati, Iacopo Stiatta, Giovanni Balbani, Girolamo Liena and Benedetto Buonvisi.
15. Republic of Florence - In 1494 Piero the Unfortunate, a member of the ruling House of Medici, was exiled and Florence came under the rule of Girolamo Savonarola, a Dominican friar who opposed the excesses of Renaissance culture and supported religious reform. Savonarola supported the French invasion during the Italian Wars, because he regarded it as divine retribution by God intended to punish Florence and bring about the spiritual reform of Italy. At this time the Capitanate of Fivizzano was a direct dependency of Florence.
16. Republic of Siena - In 1494 it was ruled by Pandolfo Petrucci, of the House of Petrucci, who was an ally of the Medici family. Its territory corresponded to the southern third of Tuscany. Its centuries-old independence came to an end only six decades later when it was annexed to the Duchy of Florence (later reenamed Grand Duchy of Tuscany).
17. Papal States - The Pope obtained temporal power in 752-756 AD and thereafter became both a religious and secular ruler; the Bishop of Rome became ex officio sovereign ruler of the Papal States. In 1494 it was ruled by Pope Alexander VI, of the House of Borgia, who initially encouraged but later opposed the French invasion during the Italian Wars. The possessions and territories of the Papal States were initially small, but gradually expanded over the centuries. By 1494 it was one of the largest and most influential of the Italian States; its fiefs and vassals included the Duchy of Urbino, the Lordships of Perugia, Bologna, Cesena and Forli, the cities of Ancona, Benevento, Pontecorvo and others.
18. Kingdom of Naples - Officially known as the Kingdom of Sicily, but referred to as the Kingdom of Naples to distinguish the it from the other Kingdom of Sicily. The largest State on the Italian peninsula. In 1494 it was ruled by Alfonso II, King of Naples, but in the same year the King of France invaded Italy to claim the throne for himself, thereby igniting the Italian Wars.
19. Kingdom of Sicily - In 1494 it was ruled by Ferdinand II, King of Aragon. Previously ruled as an independent kingdom (1130-1409), but then united in dynastic union to the Crown of Aragon as an autonomous and separate kingdom after 1409. Sicily was not part of the Kingdom of Aragon, but both kingdoms were ruled by the same monarch. Malta was part of Sicily from 1091 to 1530.
20. Kingdom of Sardinia - In 1494 it was ruled by Ferdinand II, King of Aragon. Originally called the Kingdom of Sardinia and Corsica (1324-1479), since 1324 it was united in dynastic union to the Crown of Aragon as an autonomous and separate kingdom. That is to say, Sardinia was not part of the Kingdom of Aragon, but both kingdoms were ruled by the same monarch. For most of the 14th and 15th centuries Aragonese power in Sardinia was tenuous and incomplete, but by 1494 the control over the whole island was complete and stable.
21. Minor Italian States - There were also several micro-states in Italy during this period, such as the Principality of Monaco, Republic of San Marino, Republic of Noli, Republic of Cospaia, Lordship of Piombino, Lordship of Rimini, County of Tenda and several other minor states.
The Papacy played a central role in Italian politics. Over the centuries, foreign sovereigns (or those who wished to become sovereigns) invaded the Italian States, sometimes at the request of the pope, other times to fight against the pope. The political disagreements between the Italian rulers, together with constant interference by foreign powers (particularly the monarchs of France, Spain and the Holy Roman Empire), led to constant wars and prevented Italian unity for many centuries. Despite this, Italy managed to remain one of the wealthiest, most literate and most culturally-advanced regions of Europe during this entire time period.
The devastating Italian Wars — with foreign powers vying for control of Italy — began in 1494, during the height of the Italian Renaissance, and ended in 1559. This was the political situation of Italy and the Italian States in 1494, at the outbreak of the war:
1. Duchy of Savoy - The cradle of the House of Savoy, the future Italian royal family. In 1494 it was ruled by Carlo Giovanni Amedeo of Savoy and included the duchy proper, the County of Nizza, the Duchy of Aosta and the Principality of Piedmont. Carlo was only six-years-old in 1494, therefore the actual sovereign was his mother Bianca of Montferrato, Regent-Duchess of Savoy. She allowed the French free passage into Italy during the Italian Wars. In future centuries the Dukes of Savoy expanded their domains to include the Marquisate of Saluzzo, the Margraviate of Montferrato, the County of Asti and eventually Sardinia and the Republic of Genoa (except Corsica, which was later occupied by France). By 1720 all their possessions were absorbed into the Kingdom of Sardinia. With the Unification of Italy in 1861, the Kingdom of Sardinia became the Kingdom of Italy.
2. Marquisate of Saluzzo - In 1494 it was ruled by Ludovico II of Saluzzo, who supported the French invasion during the Italian Wars.
3. Margraviate of Montferrato - In 1494 it was ruled by Bonifacio III of Monferrato, who died in the same year just weeks before the French invasion and was succeeded by his pro-French son Guglielmo IX of Montferrato. The latter was also father-in-law of Federico II Gonzaga, Duke of Mantua, who later inherited Montferrato through marriage.
5. Republic of Genoa - In 1494 it was ruled by Lodovico di Campofregoso, who was three times doge of Genoa. Together with the Republic of Venice it was one of the two most important Italian maritime republics, dominating maritime trade in the Mediterranean along with Venice for centuries. The Republic of Genoa also included Corsica.
6. Duchy of Milan - In 1494 it was ruled by Gian Galeazzo Sforza, of the House of Sforza. In the same year he died under highly suspicious circumstances at the age of 25 and was succeeded by his cousin Ludovico Sforza; the latter started the Italian Wars by inviting the French to invade Italy, but later regretted his decision and turned against France. One of the largest Italian States; the Duchy also included what is now Italian Switzerland.
7. Prince-Bishoprics of Trento and Bressanone - Two separate ecclesiastical principalities of the Holy Roman Empire; ruled by the Prince-Bishops of Trento and Bressanone. The bishops were endowed with secular power by the Holy Roman Emperor since 1027 and 1179, becoming ex officio temporal princes of their bishoprics. The princely titles were granted by the Holy Roman Emperor (and the ecclesiastical offices were often bestowed upon Germans) so that northeastern Italy could be controlled by men loyal to the Empire. In 1494 Trento was ruled by Ulrich IV von Liechtenstein; German bishops occupied the bishopric for nearly the entire century; Italian bishops did not regain the see until 1514. The territories of Trento previously included most of modern Trentino-Alto Adige, but the lands were usurped by their arch-enemy, the Count of Tyrol. In 1494 Bressanone was ruled by Melchior von Meckau; almost all bishops of this see were German with few exceptions.
8. Free Imperial City of Trieste - Culturally and linguistically Italian; since 1382 it was under the protection of the House of Habsburg, but retained its autonomy with a self-ruling government.
9. County of Gorizia - Culturally and linguistically Italian, but ruled by a German dynasty. In 1494 it was ruled by Leonhard of Gorizia, of the House of Gorizia, who was the last Count of Gorizia. His wife was Paola Gonzaga, daughter of Ludovico III Gonzaga, former Duke of Mantua (1444-1478). With no heir and facing the choice of having to transfer the lands either to the Venetians or the Habsburgs, he signed over the right of inheritance to the Habsburgs, who immediately occupied Gorizia upon his death in 1500.
10. Republic of Venice - One of the most important and most powerful Italian States, which existed for 1100 years (697-1797). In 1497 it was ruled by Doge Agostino Barbarigo, who opposed the French invasion during the Italian Wars. At the time it had one of the largest fleets in the world. The Republic of Venice also included Istria and Dalmatia, culturally and linguistically Italian.
11. Republic of Ragusa - An independent republic in Dalmatia; culturally and linguistically Italian; previously ruled by Venice (1205-1358), but independent since 1358; known as the fifth Italian Maritime Republic after Venice, Genoa, Pisa and Amalfi. The names of the rulers of Ragusa between 1417-1499 have not been recorded, but from 1500-1501 it was ruled by Rector Giunio Andrea de Bobali, of the House of Bobali, and Rector Simone de Benessa, of the House of Benessa.
12. Margravate of Mantua - In 1494 it was ruled by Federico II Gonzaga, of the House of Gonzaga, who later also inherited Montferrato through marriage. Under his rule the city of Mantua rapidly rose in importance as a seat of industry and culture.
13. Duchy of Ferrara, Modena and Reggio - In 1494 it was ruled by Ercole I d'Este, of the House of Este. Modena and Reggio was previously its own duchy (1452-1471), but from 1471 to 1597 Ferrara, Modena and Reggio were united into a single duchy under the House of Este.
14. Republic of Lucca - An independent republic in Tuscany; one of the smallest and least powerful of the major Italian States. In 1494 it was alternately governed by six Gonfaloniers of Justice: Giovan Battista Malpigli, Alessandro Diodati, Iacopo Stiatta, Giovanni Balbani, Girolamo Liena and Benedetto Buonvisi.
15. Republic of Florence - In 1494 Piero the Unfortunate, a member of the ruling House of Medici, was exiled and Florence came under the rule of Girolamo Savonarola, a Dominican friar who opposed the excesses of Renaissance culture and supported religious reform. Savonarola supported the French invasion during the Italian Wars, because he regarded it as divine retribution by God intended to punish Florence and bring about the spiritual reform of Italy. At this time the Capitanate of Fivizzano was a direct dependency of Florence.
16. Republic of Siena - In 1494 it was ruled by Pandolfo Petrucci, of the House of Petrucci, who was an ally of the Medici family. Its territory corresponded to the southern third of Tuscany. Its centuries-old independence came to an end only six decades later when it was annexed to the Duchy of Florence (later reenamed Grand Duchy of Tuscany).
17. Papal States - The Pope obtained temporal power in 752-756 AD and thereafter became both a religious and secular ruler; the Bishop of Rome became ex officio sovereign ruler of the Papal States. In 1494 it was ruled by Pope Alexander VI, of the House of Borgia, who initially encouraged but later opposed the French invasion during the Italian Wars. The possessions and territories of the Papal States were initially small, but gradually expanded over the centuries. By 1494 it was one of the largest and most influential of the Italian States; its fiefs and vassals included the Duchy of Urbino, the Lordships of Perugia, Bologna, Cesena and Forli, the cities of Ancona, Benevento, Pontecorvo and others.
18. Kingdom of Naples - Officially known as the Kingdom of Sicily, but referred to as the Kingdom of Naples to distinguish the it from the other Kingdom of Sicily. The largest State on the Italian peninsula. In 1494 it was ruled by Alfonso II, King of Naples, but in the same year the King of France invaded Italy to claim the throne for himself, thereby igniting the Italian Wars.
19. Kingdom of Sicily - In 1494 it was ruled by Ferdinand II, King of Aragon. Previously ruled as an independent kingdom (1130-1409), but then united in dynastic union to the Crown of Aragon as an autonomous and separate kingdom after 1409. Sicily was not part of the Kingdom of Aragon, but both kingdoms were ruled by the same monarch. Malta was part of Sicily from 1091 to 1530.
20. Kingdom of Sardinia - In 1494 it was ruled by Ferdinand II, King of Aragon. Originally called the Kingdom of Sardinia and Corsica (1324-1479), since 1324 it was united in dynastic union to the Crown of Aragon as an autonomous and separate kingdom. That is to say, Sardinia was not part of the Kingdom of Aragon, but both kingdoms were ruled by the same monarch. For most of the 14th and 15th centuries Aragonese power in Sardinia was tenuous and incomplete, but by 1494 the control over the whole island was complete and stable.
21. Minor Italian States - There were also several micro-states in Italy during this period, such as the Principality of Monaco, Republic of San Marino, Republic of Noli, Republic of Cospaia, Lordship of Piombino, Lordship of Rimini, County of Tenda and several other minor states.
Laud 36: The Praise of Poverty by Jacopone da Todi
[Jacopone da Todi, O amor de povertate, “Laude”, XXXVI, 13th century.]
Great should be our love for thee,
Sweetest love of poverty!
Little is enough for thee,
Sister of humility,
Just a little drink and food,
Just a dish, however rude.
Poverty hath scanty store,
Bread and water—nothing more
But some herbs—unless, indeed,
These a little salt should need.
Very safely doth she fare,
Having neither thought nor care;
Dread of thieves she cannot feel
Who has nothing they can steal.
Humbly at the door she knocks,
Carries neither bag nor box;
Other burden has she none,
Save the bit she lives upon.
Poverty has not a bed,
Nor a roof above her head,
Cloth nor table for her meat,
On the ground she sits to eat.
Ne'er a will to make hath she,
So in peace dies poverty;
Kin nor friends can raise a suit,
There is nothing to dispute.
Poverty is full of mirth,
Scorning everything on earth;
None will court or speak her fair
In the hope to be her heir.
Very poor indeed art thou,
Yet thy home is heaven, I trow;
Sweetest lady, there can be
Nothing earthly dear to thee.
Those who crave for worldly gear,
They are dull and sad of cheer,
Always cumbered and distrest,
Never knowing ease nor rest.
Poverty is always gay,
Teaching man the perfect way,
Earthly things she holds in thrall,
Just because she spurns them all.
Hoarding up and laying by
Never troubleth poverty,
Free from carking care or sorrow
For the evening or the morrow.
Light of foot is she, I ween,
Glad of heart, and meek of mien,
Not a burden will she bear,
She—a stranger everywhere.
Poverty is frank and free,
Fareth well where'er she be,
For she knoweth that a room
Waits her in her heavenly home.
Poverty, thou hast a throne.
And the world is all thine own;
For the things thou dost disdain
Must obey thy sovereign reign.
Poverty, supremely wise.
Wealth and treasures doth despise.
And the more she bends her will
Higher soars in freedom still.
To the very truly poor
God's high kingdom is secure;
This we know—for Christ has spoken.
And His word is never broken.
Poverty, most perfect state.
Thou alone are really great.
For the oternal life divine
Is, in truth, already thine.
Poverty, most full of grace,
Free from care, and bright of face.
How can any blush to be
Faithful lovers unto thee?
More and more their thirst doth grow
As thy sweetness more they know.
For thy waters cannot dry,
Fairest fount of poverty!
Through the streets aloud she cries
Earthly treasure to despise;
Bids us turn from worldly pride.
Casting riches quite aside.
All these lories of the earth.
What—I ask you—are they worth
Where is now the wealth and gear
Of the men who once were here
Poverty, if thou would'st gain
Quit this world so poor and vain
More than this, too, must thou do—
Scorn thyself supremely too.
This is poverty—to be
Stripped and beggared utterly.
Self to conquer and disdain.
Then, at last, with Christ to reign.
Great should be our love for thee,
Sweetest love of poverty!
Little is enough for thee,
Sister of humility,
Just a little drink and food,
Just a dish, however rude.
Poverty hath scanty store,
Bread and water—nothing more
But some herbs—unless, indeed,
These a little salt should need.
Very safely doth she fare,
Having neither thought nor care;
Dread of thieves she cannot feel
Who has nothing they can steal.
Humbly at the door she knocks,
Carries neither bag nor box;
Other burden has she none,
Save the bit she lives upon.
Poverty has not a bed,
Nor a roof above her head,
Cloth nor table for her meat,
On the ground she sits to eat.
Ne'er a will to make hath she,
So in peace dies poverty;
Kin nor friends can raise a suit,
There is nothing to dispute.
Poverty is full of mirth,
Scorning everything on earth;
None will court or speak her fair
In the hope to be her heir.
Very poor indeed art thou,
Yet thy home is heaven, I trow;
Sweetest lady, there can be
Nothing earthly dear to thee.
Those who crave for worldly gear,
They are dull and sad of cheer,
Always cumbered and distrest,
Never knowing ease nor rest.
Poverty is always gay,
Teaching man the perfect way,
Earthly things she holds in thrall,
Just because she spurns them all.
Hoarding up and laying by
Never troubleth poverty,
Free from carking care or sorrow
For the evening or the morrow.
Light of foot is she, I ween,
Glad of heart, and meek of mien,
Not a burden will she bear,
She—a stranger everywhere.
Poverty is frank and free,
Fareth well where'er she be,
For she knoweth that a room
Waits her in her heavenly home.
Poverty, thou hast a throne.
And the world is all thine own;
For the things thou dost disdain
Must obey thy sovereign reign.
Poverty, supremely wise.
Wealth and treasures doth despise.
And the more she bends her will
Higher soars in freedom still.
To the very truly poor
God's high kingdom is secure;
This we know—for Christ has spoken.
And His word is never broken.
Poverty, most perfect state.
Thou alone are really great.
For the oternal life divine
Is, in truth, already thine.
Poverty, most full of grace,
Free from care, and bright of face.
How can any blush to be
Faithful lovers unto thee?
More and more their thirst doth grow
As thy sweetness more they know.
For thy waters cannot dry,
Fairest fount of poverty!
Through the streets aloud she cries
Earthly treasure to despise;
Bids us turn from worldly pride.
Casting riches quite aside.
All these lories of the earth.
What—I ask you—are they worth
Where is now the wealth and gear
Of the men who once were here
Poverty, if thou would'st gain
Quit this world so poor and vain
More than this, too, must thou do—
Scorn thyself supremely too.
This is poverty—to be
Stripped and beggared utterly.
Self to conquer and disdain.
Then, at last, with Christ to reign.
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