ROME. RUINS. The Goth, the Christian, Time, War, Flood, and Fire, Have dealt upon the seven-hill'd city's pride; She saw her glories star by star expire, Temple and tower went down, nor left a site:- O'er the dim fragments cast a lunar light, say, "here was, or is," where all is doubly night? BYRON. To endeavour even to enumerate the countless multitude of objects which press upon the eye and the mind of the traveller as he traverses the streets of the "Eternal City" would be a vain and useless task. The first sensation of the stranger is almost that of bewilderment, so oppressive is the crowd of images by which he is assailed. Mr. Rogers, in his "Italy," has described the feelings of a traveller who visits Rome for the first time. I am in Rome! Oft as the morning ray Whence this excess of joy? What has befallen me? And from within a thrilling voice replies Thou art in Rome! A thousand busy thoughts Rush on my mind, a thousand images; And I spring up as girt to run a race. |