The initial version of the “Catholic Hymn” was contained in the story of “Morella,” and published in the ‘Southern Literary Messenger’ for April, 1885.  The lines as they now stand, and with their present title, were first published in the ‘Broadway Journal for August’, 1845.

* * * * *

SCENES FROM “POLITIAN.”

AN UNPUBLISHED DRAMA.

I.

ROME.—­A Hall in a Palace.  ALESSANDRA and CASTIGLIONE

Alessandra.  Thou art sad, Castiglione.

Castiglione.  Sad!—­not I.
                  Oh, I’m the happiest, happiest man in Rome! 
                  A few days more, thou knowest, my Alessandra,
                  Will make thee mine.  Oh, I am very happy!

Aless.  Methinks thou hast a singular way of showing
                  Thy happiness—­what ails thee, cousin of mine? 
                  Why didst thou sigh so deeply?

Cas.  Did I sigh? 
                  I was not conscious of it.  It is a fashion,
                  A silly—­a most silly fashion I have
                  When I am very happy.  Did I sigh? (sighing.)

Aless.  Thou didst.  Thou art not well.  Thou hast indulged
                  Too much of late, and I am vexed to see it. 
                  Late hours and wine, Castiglione,—­these
                  Will ruin thee! thou art already altered—­
                  Thy looks are haggard—­nothing so wears away
                  The constitution as late hours and wine.

Cas. (musing ).  Nothing, fair cousin, nothing—­
                  Not even deep sorrow—­
                  Wears it away like evil hours and wine. 
                  I will amend.

Aless.  Do it!  I would have thee drop
                  Thy riotous company, too—­fellows low born
                  Ill suit the like of old Di Broglio’s heir
                  And Alessandra’s husband.

Cas.  I will drop them.

Aless.  Thou wilt—­thou must.  Attend thou also more
                  To thy dress and equipage—­they are over plain
                  For thy lofty rank and fashion—­much depends
                  Upon appearances.

Cas.  I’ll see to it.

Aless.  Then see to it!—­pay more attention, sir,
                  To a becoming carriage—­much thou wantest
                  In dignity.

Cas.  Much, much, oh, much I want
                  In proper dignity.

Aless. (haughtily).  Thou mockest me, sir!

Cos. (abstractedly).  Sweet, gentle Lalage!