Arthur Henry Hallam

Written in Edinburgh

EVEN thus, methinks, a city reared should be,
Yea, an imperial city, that might hold
Five times a hundred noble towns in fee,
And either with their might of Babel old,
Or the rich Roman pomp of empery
Might stand compare, highest in arts enrolled,
Highest in arms; brave tenement for the free,
Who never crouch to thrones, or sin for gold.
Thus should her towers be raised,—with vicinage,
Of clear bold hills, that curve her very streets,
As if to vindicate, mid choicest seats
Of art, abiding nature’s majesty,
And the broad sea beyond, in calm or rage
Chainless alike, and teaching Liberty.