RUINS OF ROM E.

"WHILE stands the Coliseum, Rome shall stand;

When falls the Coliseum, Rome shall fall;

And when Rome falls-the World." From our own land
Thus spake the pilgrims o'er this mighty wall

In Saxon times, which we are wont to call
Ancient; and these three mortal things are still

On their foundations, and unalter'd all;

Rome and her Ruin past Redemption's skill,

The World, the same wide den-of thieves, or what ye will.

Simple, erect, severe, austere, sublime

Shrine of all saints and temple of all gods,
From Jove to Jesus-spared and blest by time;
Looking tranquillity, while falls or nods

Arch, empire, each thing round thee, and man plods
His way through thorns to ashes-glorious dome!
Shalt thou not last? Time's scythe and tyrants' rods
Shiver upon thee-sanctuary and home

Of art and piety-Pantheon !-pride of Rome!

Relic of nobler days, and noblest arts!
Despoil'd yet perfect, with thy circle spreads
A holiness appealing to all hearts—

To art a model; and to him who treads.
Rome for the sake of ages, Glory sheds

Her light through thy sole aperture; to those
Who worship, here are altars for their beads;

And they who feel for genius may repose

Their eyes on honour'd forms, whose busts around them close.