-- LAST night I could not rest: the chamber's heat, Or some wild thoughts -- the folly of the day Banish'd my sleep: So, in the garden air, I gazed upon the comet, that then shone In midnight glory, dimming all the stars. At once a crimson blaze, that made it pale, Flooded the north. I turn'd, and saw in heaven Two mighty armies! From the zenith star, Down to the earth, legions in line and orb, Squadron and square, like earthly marshalry. Anon, as if a sudden trumpet spoke, Banners of gold and purple were flung out; Fire-crested leaders swept along the lines; And both the gorgeous depths, like meeting seas, Roll'd to wild battle. Then, they breathed awhile, Leaving the space between a sheet of gore, Stew'd with torn standards, corpses, adn crash'd spears: But soon upon the horizon's belt uprose, Moon-like, or richer, -- like the rising morn, A bulwark'd city. -- Rome? -- Both armies joined, And like a deluge, rush'd against the walls @3One@1 chieftain led both armies to the storm, Till the proud capitol in embers fell, And heaven was all on fire. | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...SONGS IN ABSENCE: 7. THE SHIP by ARTHUR HUGH CLOUGH SONNET TO A FRIEND WHO ASKED, HOW I FELT ... MY INFANT TO ME by SAMUEL TAYLOR COLERIDGE THE KNIGHT'S TOMB by SAMUEL TAYLOR COLERIDGE THE WHITE CASCADE by WILLIAM HENRY DAVIES |