Classic Poem

AFTER SUPPER AT CAN GRANDE'S .

Two architects of Italy — austere
Men who could fashion nothing small — refused
To die with life; and for their purpose used
This dim, this topless Amphitheatre.

Caesar, trenching an orbit of ellipse,
Shaped of sun-temple blocks cyclopean
His marbled crater, whence the world could scan,
From tier on roaring tier, fighters and ships.

I, Dante, having raised, as dreamer can,
Like moon-pale Alps those walls immutable,
Sole in the night-arena, grow aware
I am myself the thing spectacular
Seized by the ever-thirsting gaze of Hell,
Here, on the voiceless sand, a banish'd man.