Page:Maryland, my Maryland, and other poems - Randall - 1908.pdf/138



Beyond the wall that belts the town, Where grand Saint Peter’s titan crown Looks apostolically down;

With shrunken form and shrouded lid, The Song Bird—not the Song—is hid Near Caius Cestius’ pyramid.

There purer from his Roman pyre, The star-eyed Skylark of the Choir, Slumbers, a radiant Child of Fire!

Twin bards—twin death! no slander parts, With livid tongue and venomed darts, The Soul of Souls and “Heart of Hearts.”

The coheirs of Porphyrogene, Their dreams are royal and serene Beneath the Night’s sweet sybil queen.