The Statue and the Bust

There's a palace in Florence, the world knows well, And a statue watches it from the square, And this story of both do our townsmen tell. Ages ago, a lady there, At the farthest window facing the East Asked, "Who rides by with the royal air?" The bridesmaids' prattle around her ceased; She leaned forth, one on either hand; They saw how the blush of the bride increased-- They felt by its beats her heart expand-- As one at each ear and both in a breath Whispered, "The Great-Duke Ferdinand."…