Page:Modern poets and poetry of Spain.djvu/156

Acquiring useful knowledge, never gain'd
By learned reading in retired abodes.
For there we cannot see the difference great
Which climate, worship, arts, opinions,
And laws occasion. That is found alone,
If thou wouldst study man, in man himself.

Now the rough Winter, which augments the waves
Of Tiber, on his banks has me detain'd,
Inhabitant of Rome. O! that with thee
'T were granted me to rove through her, to scan
The wonderful remains of glories past,
Which Time, whose force can naught resist, has spared!
Thou nursling of the Muses and the Arts,
Faithful oracle of bright history,
What learning thou wouldst give the affluent lip;
What images sublime, by genius fired,
In the great empire's ruin thou wouldst find!
Fell the great city, which had triumph'd o'er
The nations the most warlike, and with her
Ended the Latin valour and renown.
And she who to the Betis from the Nile
Her eagles proudly bore, the child of Mars,
The Capitol with barbarous trophies deck'd,
Conducting to her car of ivory bound
Great kings subdued, amid the hoarse applause

Of wide-throng'd forums, and the trumpet's sounds,