The Monkeyboy Sonnet

Beneath the sign of this proud crowing Cock
much wine was drunk and much of goodly cheer consumed;
It was, I pray you do not mock,
the haunt of painters and of poets dear.

Here was expounded all the love of men
while nobly each man filled and swilled his glass,
and filled and swilled and swilled and filled again;
Those noble days are dead and gone, alas

Here, Duveneck and bearded Giulio
and one who had a high light in his head
discussed the heavens, the earth, the sea below
while anisent Arno snored upon his bed
here Bamhone in a halo passed alive
and here a poet passed and left a song

Henry Mayhew, Capri 1895