WAS IT the trampling of triumphant hosts That levelled thus yon plain, sea-like and hoary; Armies from Rome sent forth to distant coasts, Or back returning clad with spoils of glory? Around it loom cape, ridge, and promontory: Above it sunset shadows fleet like ghosts, Fast-borne o'er keep and tomb, whose ancient boasts, By Time confuted, name have none in story. Fit seat for Rome! for here is ample space, Which greatness chiefly needs, severed alone By yonder aqueducts, with queenly grace That sweep in curves concentric ever on (Bridging a world subjected as a chart) , To that great city, head of earth, and heart. | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...A SONG TO A FAIR YOUNG LADY GOING OUT OF TOWN IN THE SPRING by JOHN DRYDEN LINES ON THE MERMAID TAVERN by JOHN KEATS TO HIS LATE MAJESTY, CONCERNING..TRUE FORM OF ENGLISH POETRY by JOHN BEAUMONT MARTYRS TO THE MAN by WILLIAM ROSE BENET CARCASSONNE (SUGGESTED BY LORD DUNSANY'S STORY) by BERTON BRALEY |