AWE-STRUCK I gazed upon that rock-paved way, The Appian Road; marmorean witness still Of Rome's resistless stride and fateful Will, Which mocked at limits, opening out for aye Divergent paths to one imperial sway. The Nations verily their parts fulfil; And War must plough the fields which Law shall till; Therefore Rome triumphed till the appointed day. Then from the Catacombs, like waves, up-burst The Host of God, and scaled, as in an hour, O'er all the earth the mountain seats of Power. Gladly in that baptismal flood immersed The old Empire died to live. Once more on high It sits; now clothed with immortality! ON THE CROSS IN THE INTERIOR OF THE COLISEUM. FAR from his friends, his country, and his home, Perhaps on that small spot-ay doubtless there Some Christian Martyr fell, in one wide stare Concentrating the gaze intense of Rome. |