The Comedies of Carlo Goldoni / edited with an introduction by Helen Zimmern

Goldoni,—good, gay, sunniest of souls,—

Glassing half Venice in that verse of thine,—

What though it just reflect the shade and shine

Of common life, nor render, as it rolls,

Grandeur and gloom? Sufficient for thy shoals

Was Carnival: Parini's depths enshrine

Secrets unsuited to that opaline

Surface of things which laughs along thy scrolls.

There throng the People: how they come and go,

Lisp the soft language, flaunt the bright garb,—see,—

On piazza, calle, under portico,

And over bridge! Dear King of Comedy,

Be honoured! Thou that didst love Venice so,

Venice, and we who love her, all love thee!

Robert Browning.

Clyx.com