The late cinquecento Venetian bride
displayed upon a ledge beside their bed
this marriage goblet: emerald glass, enamel
red and blue, the rim gold granules;
gilt the fluted base, the portrait bride’s
curls and bodice trim, whose arc two strands
of pearls repeat—gems La Serenissima
forbade loose women. The bride’s bouquet
a certain lily, her medallion frame laurel
and a Cupid pair. In women, Dolce railed,
Look not for eloquence, intelligence, talent
for living, or anything but chastity. Quaint.
More true, the bridegroom opposite his love
proclaims along a scroll Amor vol
fe, as any lovers might—Love
requires faith. Like light that passes
through this green Venetian glass.