Explore "Parenthetical Address" by Lord Byron on Textopian. Read with annotations and highlights.
"When energising objects men pursue, / What are the prodigies they cannot do? / A magic edifice you here survey, / Shot from the ruins of the other day! / As Harlequin had smote the slumberous heap, / And bade the rubbish to a fabric leap.
Yet at that speed you'd never be amazed, / Knew you the zeal with which the pile was raised; / Nor even here your smiles would be represt, / Knew you the rival flame that fires our breast, 10 / Flame! fire and flame! sad heart-appalling sounds, / Dread metaphors that ope our healing wounds - / A sleeping pang awakes - and - - But away / With all reflections that would cloud the day / That this triumphant, brilliant prospect brings, / Where Hope reviving re-expands her wings; / Where generous joy exults, where duteous ardour springs.