ALAS! mid all this pomp of the ancient time, And flush of modern pleasure, dull Decay O'er the bright pageant breathes her shadowy grey. As on from bridge to bridge I roam and climb It seems as though some wonder-working chime, (Whose spell the Vision raised and still can sway) To some far source were ebbing fast away: As though, by man unheard, with voice sublime It bade the sea-born Queen of Cities follow Her Sire into his watery realm far down- Beneath my feet the courts sound vast and hollow; And more than Evening's darkness seems to frown On sable barks that, swift yet trackless, fleet Like dreams o'er dim lagune and watery street. | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...DOWN THE MISSISSIPPI: 5. THE STEVEDORES by JOHN GOULD FLETCHER WHEN FIRST MY WAY by ALFRED EDWARD HOUSMAN ULTIMA THULE: DEDICATION by HENRY WADSWORTH LONGFELLOW SPRING IN WAR TIME by SARA TEASDALE THE DESPAIRING LOVER by WILLIAM WALSH (1663-1707) |