Collegia – Ode 64: A Morning Walk

I went for a walk in London to-day
In just a listless, ambling way;
There seemed so little for me to do,
Save join the crowds and see the view.

In many streets the traffic roared,
The pigeons flew, the people poured,
And gloomy cathedral columns stood
Over the bustle seeming to brood.

Columns no doubt that soared large to the eye
Of a holiday-maker passing by.
But one of Rome’s shades looking down on them said:
“How feebly man imitates architects dead!”

11. 3. 29