ROME.

New Zealand Tablet, Volume V, Issue 260, 26 April 1878, Page 5

ROME.

(From the Sonnets of Aubrey De Vere.)

Low hung the moon when first I stood in Rome : "'" ' Midway she seemed attracted from her sphere, On those twin fountains shining broad and clear Whose floods, not mindless of their mountain home, Rise there in clouds of rainbow mist and foam. That hour fulfilled the dream of many a, year : Through that thin mist, with joy akin to fear, The steps I saw, the pillars, last the dome. A spiritual Empire there embodied stood : The Roman Church there met me face to face : Ages, sealed up, of evil and of good Slept in that circling colonnade's embrace. Alone I stood, a stranger and alone, Changed by that stony miracle to stone. Rebellious nations ! This shall come to pass — From yonder altar to their kingdoms down The Kings once more shall pace, sceptre and crown On that dim sea of marble and of brass Showering, as Angels on the sea of glass Their amaranthine wreaths! All powers shall own A spiritual homage to St. Peter's throne; Draw thence once more their temporal peace. 1 What now are Kings ? A thousand years each Nation Claimed to stand subject to a Father's eye! All realms invoked the Apostle's arbitration, An unseen world their strength and unity :—: — Proud Kings ! proud realms ! your victory is your locs That rule is brief which rests not on the Cross.