The Ruins Of Rome/VI

V

The Ruins Of Rome ~ VI written by Joachim Du Bellay translated by A. S. Kline

VII

Les Antiquités de Rome - VI.

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VI
 
As in her chariot the Phrygian goddess rode,
Crowned with high turrets, happy to have borne
Such quantity of gods, so her I mourn,
This ancient city, once whole worlds bestrode:

On whom, more than the Phrygian, was bestowed
A wealth of progeny, whose power at dawn
Was the world’s power, her grandeur, now shorn,
Knowing no match to that which from her flowed.

Only Rome could mighty Rome resemble,
Only Rome force sacred Rome to tremble:
So Fate’s command issued its decree,

No other power, however bold or wise,
Could boast of matching her who matched we see,
Her power with earth’s, her courage with the sky’s.