University of Virginia Library

XLIII. UNIVERSAL HISTORY.

Methought I gazed upon a dusky Round,
Our mortal planet's monumental urn:
Around its orb with many a spiral turn
Ascending, a Procession slowly wound:
There saw I laurelled poets, kings renowned;
Prophets I saw from earth's remotest bourne:
There saw I maids and youths, old men forlorn,
And conquerors full-armed, and captives bound.
A Funeral pomp methought it seemed far down
In pale relief; and, side by side, therein
Hooded, there paced, a Sorrow and a Sin:
Midway in ampler ring, and vision clear,
A Sacrifice embraced that mighty sphere:
Above, a lovely Bridal was its crown.