Iv

But garlands wither; festal shows depart, Like dreams themselves; and sweetest sound-- (Albeit of effect profound) It was--and it is gone! Victorious England! bid the silent Art Reflect, in glowing hues that shall not fade, Those high achievements;[BO] even as she arrayed With second life the deed of Marathon Upon Athenian walls;[BP] So may she labour for thy civic halls: And be the guardian spaces Of consecrated places, As nobly graced by Sculpture's patient toil; And let imperishable Columns rise Fixed in the depths of this courageous soil;[BQ] Expressive signals of a glorious strife, And competent to shed a spark divine Into the torpid breast of daily life;-- Records on which, for pleasure of all eyes, The morning sun may shine With gratulation thoroughly benign![BR]