England and Yesterday — London - XI. York Stairs

YORK STAIRS.

Many a musing eye returns to thee, Against the formal street disconsolate, Who kept in green domains thy bridal state, With young tide-waters leaping at thy knee;

And lest the ravening smoke, and enmity Corrode thee quite, thy lover sighs, and straight Desires thee safe afar, too graceful gate!

Throned on a terrace of the Boboli.

Nay, nay, thy use is here.

Stand queenly thus Till the next fury; teach the time and us Leisure and will to draw a serious breath: Not wholly where thou art the soul is cowed, Nor the fooled capital proclaims aloud Barter is god, while Beauty perisheth.