Fold by fold Beneath me as it struggles.

I behold Its glistening scales.

Twice hath it overthrown My kindred and companions.

Me alone It moveth not, but is by me controlled, I can remember when the Medici Were driven from Florence; longer still ago The final wars of Ghibelline and Guelf.
Florence adorns me with her jewelry; And when I think that Michael Angelo Hath leaned on me, I glory in myself.
IL PONTE VECCHIO DI FIRENZE Gaddi mi fece; il Ponte Vecchio sono; Cinquecent' anni gia sull' Arno pianto Il piede, come il suo Michele Santo Pianto sul draco.

Mentre ch' io ragiono Lo vedo torcere con flebil suono Le rilucenti scaglie.