Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, ed. Poems of Places: An Anthology in 31 Volumes.
Italy: Vols. XI–XIII. 1876–79. | | | | Rome | | Rome | | Baldassare Castiglione (1478–1529) |
| | Translated by Capel Lofft
YE hills superb, ye ruins which retain | |
| Of Rome the name august, and but the name, | |
| What relics of the height of human fame, | |
| What traces of exalted souls remain! | |
| Those statues, arches, theatres;—in vain | 5 |
| Those works divine, that splendor which became | |
| The Queen of cities. Time,—devouring flame | |
| Have sunk in dust! Pomp, joy, long and triumphal reign, | |
| A theme of vulgar scorn!—If works like these | |
| Can for some space with Time the conflict dare, | 10 |
| Slowly the victor marches, sure to seize.— | |
| Content my own distress shall I not bear? | |
| Since all on earth must yield to Time’s decrees, | |
| Time will relieve my anguish, end my care. | | | | |
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