VENICE. THE RIALTO. Viderat Adriacis Venetam Neptunus in undis Si Pelago Tybrim præfers-urbem aspice utramque, SANNAZARO. THE impression which the first view of Venice conveys is described by every traveller as most singular and striking. All other cities that he has visited present in their more prominent features a general resemblance; and it is only when the eye begins to examine the details that the diversified characters of the places become apparent. But Venice, the "Rome of the ocean," the "Sea Cybele," stands alone amid the cities of the earth. No eye can for a moment mistake her: her palaces, her spires, her towers, and her cupolas, rising from the bosom of the waters, at once proclaim her name. The magnificence of her edifices, too, correspond well with the associations which history and romance have spread around her." Her aspect is like a dream; and her history is like a romance." And unto us she hath a spell beyond Her name in story, and her long array Of mighty shadows, whose dim forms despond Above the dogeless city's vanish'd sway; Ours is a trophy which will not decay With the Rialto: Shylock, and the Moor, And Pierre, can not be swept or worn away The keystones of the arch! though all were o'er, For us repeopled were the solitary shore. VENIC E. THE RIALTO. Viderat Adriacis Venetam Neptunus in undis Si Pelago Tybrim præfers-urbem aspice utramque, SANNAZARO. THE impression which the first view of Venice conveys is described by every traveller as most singular and striking. All other cities that he has visited present in their more prominent features a general resemblance; and it is only when the eye begins to examine the details that the diversified characters of the places become apparent. But Venice, the "Rome of the ocean," the " Sea Cybele," stands alone amid the cities of the earth. No eye can for a moment mistake her: her palaces, her spires, her towers, and her cupolas, rising from the bosom of the waters, at once proclaim her name. The magnificence of her edifices, too, correspond well with the associations which history and romance have spread around her." Her aspect is like a dream; and her history is like a romance." And unto us she hath a spell beyond Her name in story, and her long array Of mighty shadows, whose dim forms despond Above the dogeless city's vanish'd sway; Ours is a trophy which will not decay With the Rialto: Shylock, and the Moor, The keystones of the arch! though all were o'er, For us repeopled were the solitary shore. |