What little town by river or sea-shore,

Or mountain built with peaceful citadel,

Is emptied of its folk this pious morn?

Ah! little town, thy streets forever more

Will silent be; and not a soul to tell

Why thou art desolate can e'er return.

O Attic shape! Fair attitude! with brede

Of marble men and maidens overwrought,

With forest branches and the trodden weed;

Thou, silent form, dost tease us out of thought