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Beautiful Venice.

BEAUTIFUL Venice! city of song!
What mem'ries of old to thy regions belong!
What sweet recollections cling to my heart,
As thy fast-fading shores from my vision depart!
Oh! poesy's home is thy light colonnades,
Where the winds gently sigh as the sweet twilight fades.
I have known many homes, but the dwelling for me,
Is beautiful Venice, the bride of the sea.

Beautiful Venice! queen of the earth,
Where dark eyes shine brightly, 'mid music and mirth,
Where gay serenaders, by light of the star,
Oft mingle their songs with the dulcet guitar;
All that's lovely in life, all that's deathless in song;
Fair Italy's isles to thy regions belong.
I have known, etc.