Henry Wadsworth Longfellow — The Old Bridge at Florence

Taddeo Gaddi built me. I am old,        &nbsp Five centuries old. I plant my foot of stone        &nbsp Upon the Arno, as St. Michael's own        &nbsp Was planted on the dragon. Fold by fold Beneath me as it struggles. I behold        &nbsp Its glistening scales. Twice hath it overthrown        &nbsp My kindred and companions. Me alone        &nbsp It moveth not, but is by me controlled, I can remember when the Medici        &nbsp Were driven from Florence; longer still ago        &nbsp The final wars of Ghibelline and Guelf. Florence adorns me with her jewelry;        &nbsp And when I think that Michael Angelo        &nbsp Hath leaned on me, I glory in myself.