155
A ROMAN STREET.
I.
Tranced in the languid joy of summer noon,
In dreamy calm, I gazed upon the street,
All hushed and still beneath the fervid heat.
In dreamy calm, I gazed upon the street,
All hushed and still beneath the fervid heat.
II.
Fast throbbed around the deep full heart of June,
As with a halo shone transfigured all
O'er which the lidless eye of heaven did fall.
As with a halo shone transfigured all
O'er which the lidless eye of heaven did fall.
III.
The fountain glistened as an orient stream,
Each frowning house and sordid wall was bright,
Baptised in beauty by that golden light.
Each frowning house and sordid wall was bright,
Baptised in beauty by that golden light.
IV.
But with more burnished splendour fell its beam
On yon majestic column vast and prone,
Relic sublime of glorious empires gone!
On yon majestic column vast and prone,
Relic sublime of glorious empires gone!
