 | The Poetical Works of Aubrey De Vere |  |
421
XX. THE STATUE OF VOLTAIRE,
ERECTED IN PARIS DURING THE GERMAN INVASION OF
1870.
What Shape ascends o'er yonder Stygian sea
Of upturned faces—Shape far-off descried
With myriad-wrinkled brow, and serpent-eyed?
That city which adores him, who is she?
Fitly the hour is chosen! Fatefully
Advance the armies sent to plague the pride
That built its tower on sand and God defied!
High Priest of Unbelief and Anarchy
Ris'st thou to see thy work? the doom to hear
Of nations, Christian once, that spurn their trust?
Hark to that gun! More near it sounds, and near—
Land of brave hearts! ere yet descends that woe
Which comes to save not slay, thy Tempter know!
Dash back that idol to its native dust!
| The Poetical Works of Aubrey De Vere | |