LYRICAL

B

THE CITY OF THE DEAD.

"Among the ruined temples there,

Stupendous columns and wild images

Of more than man, where marble demons watch
The Zodiac's brazen mystery, and dead men

Hang their mute thoughts on the mute walls around,
He lingered, pouring on memorials

Of the world's youth through the long burning day,
Gazed on those speechless shapes, nor when the moon
Filled the mysterious halls with floating shade,
Suspended he that task, but ever gazed
And gazed, till meaning on his vacant mind
Flashed like strong inspiration, and he saw
The thrilling secrets of the birth of Time."

Now feebler shine the hosts of starry night,

SHELLEY.

And wav'ring darkness throbs with fitful light;

While beams of glory, heralds of the day,

Flash through the Libyan waste with lightning ray ;