The Poetry Corner

To Rome

By James Williams

Tell me, proud Rome, why dost these edicts read, These many laws by prince or people made, Or answers by the prudent duly weighed, When now thou canst the world no longer lead? Thou readest, sad one, of each ancient deed Where thy unconquered sons their might displayed, Afric and Egypt at thy feet were laid, But slavery, not rule, is now thy meed. What boots it that thou wast of old a queen, And over foreign nations heldest rein, If thou and all thy fame no more exist? Forgive me, God, if all my days have been Devoted to man's laws, unjust and vain Unless Thy law within the heart be fixed. Cino da Pistoia.