Memorials of a Tour on the Continent, 1820/Bruges (2)
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SONNET.
BRUGES.
The Spirit of Antiquity, enshrined
In sumptuous Buildings, vocal in sweet Song
And Tales transmitted through the popular tongue,
And with devout solemnities entwined,
Strikes at the seat of grace within the mind:
Hence Forms that slide with swan-like ease along;
Hence motions, even amid the vulgar throng,
To an harmonious decency confined:
As if the Streets were consecrated ground,
The City one vast Temple—dedicate
To mutual respect in thought and deed;
To leisure, to forbearances sedate;
To social cares from jarring passions freed;
A nobler peace than that in desarts found!
In sumptuous Buildings, vocal in sweet Song
And Tales transmitted through the popular tongue,
And with devout solemnities entwined,
Strikes at the seat of grace within the mind:
Hence Forms that slide with swan-like ease along;
Hence motions, even amid the vulgar throng,
To an harmonious decency confined:
As if the Streets were consecrated ground,
The City one vast Temple—dedicate
To mutual respect in thought and deed;
To leisure, to forbearances sedate;
To social cares from jarring passions freed;
A nobler peace than that in desarts found!