Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, ON THE RUINS OF ROME, by BALDASSARRE CASTIGLIONE


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Classic and Contemporary Poetry

ON THE RUINS OF ROME, by                     Poet's Biography
First Line: Ye sovereign hills, and hallowed disarray
Last Line: Can bring as well the ending of my pain.
Subject(s): Rome, Italy; Ruins


YE sovereign hills, and hallowed disarray
Where what was Rome hath perished save the name!
Alas, ye mean memorials of a fame
And mortal excellence too rare to stay!
Column, and arch, and theatre's display,
The sculptured pomp, the glorious acclaim,—
How soon to unremembering dust you came,—
How soon but fable for the boors to say!

What though a little span your art divine
Did cope with Time,—on stealthy step and slow
He tracked you down, and levelled with disdain;
Then let me bear my longings, nor repine,
Knowing the power that could such might o'erthrow
Can bring as well the ending of my pain.





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