Page:In Bohemia (1886).djvu/77

From Wikisource
Jump to navigation Jump to search
This page has been proofread, but needs to be validated.
THE CITY STREETS.
71

Now turn away from the teeming town, and pass to the homes of the merchant kings,
Wide squares where the stately porches frown, where the flowers are bright and the fountain sings;
Look up at the lights in that brilliant room, with its chandelier of a hundred flames!
See the carpeted street where the ladies come whose husbands have millions or famous names;
For whom are the jewels and silks, behold: on those exquisite bosoms and throats they burn;
Art challenges Nature in color and gold and the gracious presence of every turn.
So the Winters fly past in a joyous rout, and the Summers bring marvellous cool retreats;
These are civilized wonders we're finding out as we walk through the beautiful city streets.

A City of Palaces! Hush! not quite: a city where palaces are, is best;
No need to speak of what's out of sight: let us take what is pleasant, and leave the rest: