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.