HOW thy church domes swell yonder, amply rounded! How sun-gleams o'er each golden palace hover! The eye, delighted, can no rest discover; On every side midst varied pomps confounded, -- Sudden, o'er all, by flame the sight is bounded, -- With their own hands thy citizens do cover All their own roofs with blazing firebrands over; A crackling ring of fires hath thee surrounded! Let none but fools condemn, this ruin knowing: Churches, be crushed! ye palaces, melt glowing! The Russian Phoenix life i' th' flames is throwing! Yet, with bright glories from his fire-crown taken, In the free youth's proud glance shall he awaken; And conquering St. George his lance hath shaken! | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...THE TAY BRIDGE DISEASTER by WILLIAM MCGONAGALL THE POET AND HIS BOOK by EDNA ST. VINCENT MILLAY SEVEN AGES OF MAN, FR. AS YOU LIKE IT by WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE TEN YEARS AFTER by JOSEPH AUSLANDER PSALM 144 by OLD TESTAMENT BIBLE |