THE CITY OF ANGUISH
About the city clouds eternal hang
And pallid shadows wander through the mist,
Who to the moaning tempest eager list.
The night is eerie with the mournful clang
Of bells funereal. There is no name
Written upon this city’s crumbling walls,
And those who live within its cheerless halls
Are forlorn lovers of the goddess Fame.
Tread gently, stranger, in this hallowed place,
And if among the crowd perchance you meet
Some long-forgotten and once-cherished face,
Say not a word, extend no hand to greet
Your friend, grant him at least oblivion’s grace,
For pity’s sake be silent and retreat.