Classic Poem

In Britain's earlier annals thou wert set
Among the cities of our sea-girt isle:
Of what thou wert — some tokens linger yet
In yonder ruins; and this roofless pile,
Whose walls are worshipless, whose tower — a mark,
Left but to guide the seaman's wandering bark!

Yet where those ruins grey are scatter'd round,
The din of commerce fill'd the echoing air;
From these now crumbling walls arose the sound
Of hallow'd music, and the voice of prayer;
And this was unto some, whose names have ceased,
The wall'd and gated CITY OF THE EAST !

Thus time, and circumstance, and change, betray
The transient tenure of the worldly wise!
Thus " Trade's proud empire hastes to swift decay, "
And leaves no splendid wreck for fame to prize
While Nature her magnificence retains,
And from the contrast added glory gains.

Still in its billowy boundlessness outspread,
Yon mighty deep smiles to the orb of day,
Whose brightness o'er this shatter'd pile is shed
In quiet beauty — Nature's ancient sway
Is audible in winds that whisper round,