From “Childe Harold,” Canto IV. VASTNESS which grows, but grows to harmonize, All musical in its immensities; Rich marbles, richer painting, shrines where flame The lamps of gold, and haughty dome which vies In air with earth’s chief structures, though their frame Sits on the firm-set ground,—and this the cloud must claim.* * * * * Here condense thy soul To more immediate objects, and control Thy thoughts until thy mind hath got by heart Its eloquent proportions, and unroll In mighty graduations, part by part, The glory which at once upon thee did not dart.
Saint Peter’s at Rome
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