In this great city now the haunt, Of priest and friar and monk Where reason sees her ill-starr'd bark, By superstition sunk; Where nature's voice by force repress'd, Its energy declares, In demon deeds of wickedness, When fear its dagger bares; In Rome itself there lately dwelt Two sister-maidens fair, Affianced both to noble youths, Of form and virtue rare. Preparing now for that great step, Of weal or woe the seal, Before they joyful give their hands, Where purest love they feel; | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...PARTING LOVERS by ELIZABETH BARRETT BROWNING SONNET TO LAKE LEMAN by GEORGE GORDON BYRON FANCY IN NUBIBUS; OR, THE POET IN THE CLOUDS by SAMUEL TAYLOR COLERIDGE EPITAPH ON A HARE by WILLIAM COWPER INVOCATION [TO LOVE] by WILLIAM DRUMMOND OF HAWTHORNDEN SEAWEED by HENRY WADSWORTH LONGFELLOW |