Page:The Works of Lord Byron (ed. Coleridge, Prothero) - Volume 2.djvu/478

434 Hath it indeed been plundered, or but cleared?

Alas! developed, opens the decay,

When the colossal fabric's form is neared:

It will not bear the brightness of the day,

Which streams too much on all—years—man—have reft away.

CXLIV.

But when the rising moon begins to climb

Its topmost arch, and gently pauses there—

When the stars twinkle through the loops of Time,

And the low night-breeze waves along the air

The garland-forest, which the gray walls wear,

Like laurels on the bald first Cæsar's head—

When the light shines serene but doth not glare—

Then in this magic circle raise the dead;—

Heroes have trod this spot—'tis on their dust ye tread.

CXLV.

"While stands the Coliseum, Rome shall stand:

"When falls the Coliseum, Rome shall fall;