The Ruins Of Rome/XXVII

XXVI

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

XXVIII

Les Antiquités de Rome - XXVII.

Link to further information

 
XXVII
You, by Rome astonished, who gaze here
On ancient pride, once threatening the skies,
These old palaces, where the brave hills rise,
Walls, archways, baths, the temples that appear:

Judge, as you view these ruins, shattered, sere,
All that injurious Time’s devoured: the wise
Architect and mason, their plans devise
Still from these fragments, these patterns clear:

Then note how Rome, still, from day to day,
Rummaging through her ancient decay,
Renews herself with hosts of sacred things:

You’d think the Roman spirit yet alive,
With destined hands continuing to strive,
That to these dusty ruins, new life brings.