William Gibson (1826–1887)

GENTLY, as roses die, the day declines;

On the charmed air there is a hush the while;

And delicate are the twilight tints that smile

Upon the summits of the Apennines.

The moon is up; and o’er the warm wave shines

A fairy bridge of light, whose beams beguile

The fancy to some secret summer isle

Where Love may dwell, which only Love divines.

The blue light of Italian summer falls

Around us; over the crystalline swell

I see the lamps lit in her tier of halls

And bid to Genoa the Superb farewell.

Home of Columbus! having dwelt in thee,

I dream of undiscovered lands at sea!