“Andernach” [poem]

ANDERNACH. a

TWILIGHTʼS mists are gathering grey
Round us on our winding way;
Yet the mountainʼs purple crest
Reflects the glories of the west.
Rushing on with giant force
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5

Rolls the Rhine his glorious course;
Flashing, now, with flamy red,
Oʼer his jaggʼd basaltic bed;
Now, with current calm and wide
Sweeping round the mountainʼs side;
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10

Ever noble, proud, and free,
Flowing in his majesty.
Soon upon the evening skies
Andernachʼs grim ruins rise; 1
Buttress, battlement and tower
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15

Remnants hoar of Roman power,— 2
Monuments of Cæsarʼs sway,
Piecemeal mouldering away.
Lo, together loosely thrown
Sculptured head and lettered stone
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20

Guardless now the archway keep b
To rampart huge and frowning keep.
The empty moat is gay with flowers,
The night‐wind whistles through the towers,
And, flapping in the silent air,
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25

The owl and bat are tenants there.