The Soul's Quest and Other Poems

by Frederick George Scott

 

ROME

 
IMPERIAL city, slumb’ring on the throne
    Of vanished empire, once thy voice and hands
    Rocked the wide world; thy finger wove the lands
Into thy girdle; who for crown alone
Didst wear the stars. Yet still in undertone
5
    Man hears thy deathless utterance, tho’ Time’s sands
    Roll centuries; thou clasp’st the earth with bands
Of speech, art, law, and subtle powers unknown.

Thou wast not meant to die; thy mighty heart
    Pulsed with the universe. Thy deeds of old
10
        Flame like the sunset skies thro’ clouds which throng;
They blazon on thy throne a name apart
    In red of mighty victories, in gold
        Of all things valorous and great and strong.

1888.