Through cloudless skies, in silvery sheen, br Full beams the moon on Actium's coast: br And on these waves for Egypt's queen, br The ancient world was won and lost. br br And now upon the scene I look, br The azure grave of many a Roman; br Where stem Ambition once forsook br His wavering crown to follow woman. br br Florence! whom I will love as well br As ever yet was said or sung br (Since Orpheus sang his spouse from hell), br Whilst thou art fair and I am young; br br Sweet Florence! those were pleasant times; br When worlds were staked for ladies' br Had bards as many realms as rhymes; br Thy charms might raise new Antonies. br br Though Fate forbids such things to be br Yet, by thine eyes and ringlets curl'd! br I cannot lose a world for thee, br But would not lose thee for a world.