Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, ed. Poems of Places: An Anthology in 31 Volumes.
Switzerland and Austria: Vol. XVI. 1876–79. | | | | Austria: Salona, Dalmatia | | Dioclesian at Salona | | Sir Aubrey de Vere (1788–1846) |
| | | TAKE back these vain insignia of command, | |
| Crown, truncheon, golden eagle,—bubbles all,— | |
| And robe of Tyrian dye, to me a pall; | |
| And be forever alien to my hand, | |
| Though laurel-wreathed, War’s desolating brand: | 5 |
| I would have friends, not courtiers, in my hall; | |
| Wise books, frank converse, Beauty free from thrall, | |
| And leisure for good deeds, thoughtfully planned. | |
| Farewell, thou garish World! thou Italy, | |
| False widow of departed Liberty! | 10 |
| I scorn thy base caresses. Welcome the roll, | |
| Between us, of mine own bright Adrian sea! | |
| Welcome these wilds, from whose bold heights my soul | |
| Looks down on your degenerate Capitol! | | | | |
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