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...THE WITCH by MARY ELIZABETH COLERIDGE THE CHARIOT by EMILY DICKINSON ON LIBERTY AND SLAVERY by GEORGE MOSES HORTON THE TROOPS by SIEGFRIED SASSOON THE TRANSLATED WAY by FRANKLIN PIERCE ADAMS A SONG OF SUN SETTING by JANE BARLOW |