THE POETICAL WORKS OF WILLIAM WORDSWORTH, VOL. 8 (Completed)

FROM THE ALBAN HILLS, LOOKING TOWARDS ROME

Forgive, illustrious Country! these deep sighs,

Heaved less for thy bright plains and hills bestrown

With monuments decayed or overthrown,

For all that tottering stands or prostrate lies,

Than for like scenes in moral vision shown,

Ruin perceived for keener sympathies;

Faith crushed, yet proud of weeds, her gaudy crown

Virtues laid low, and mouldering energies.

Yet why prolong this mournful strain?--Fallen Power,

Thy fortunes, twice exalted,[122] might provoke

Verse to glad notes prophetic of the hour

When thou, uprisen, shalt break thy double yoke,

And enter, with prompt aid from the Most High,

On the third stage of thy great destiny.[123]

[122] The ancient Classic period, and that of the Renaissance.--ED.

[123] This period seems to have been already entered. Compare Mrs.Browning's "Poems before Congress," passim.--ED.