 | The Poetical Works of Aubrey De Vere
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O my Sire,
Much, much of that high vision was fulfilled!
To dwell upon that thought is still my peace.
This Italy was but thine Empire's core,
Rhætia, Dalmatia, Norieum, Pannonia,
The West was thine. Iberia, southern Gaul,
Earth from Danubius to the Atlantic pillars!
The Italians held the civil offices,
The Goths the warlike. Peace returned—then gold;
In desolate cities glorious structures rose;
Fair villas smiled above the Larian lake;
The waves Lucanian: classic song revived:
Philosophy looked up once more to heaven:
Hope ruled again the world.
| The Poetical Works of Aubrey De Vere
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