"The ruins of himself! now worn away With age, yet still majestic in decay."

"For, to make deserts, God, who rules mankind, Begins with kings, and ends the work by wind."

"History fades into fable; fact becomes clouded with doubt and controversy; the inscription moulders from the tablet: …"

"All progressions from a higher to a lower order are marked by ruins and mystery and a residue of nameless rage."

"Ruins of Ind! Here, too, with busy hand, Hath man built shrines, and gorgeous cities plann'd, That Time may mock his …"

"I met a traveller from an antique land Who said: Two vast and trunkless legs of stone Stand in the desart [sic]. Near…"

"We wonder — and some Hunter may express Wonder like ours, when thro' the wilderness Where London stood, holding the W…"

"Should the whole frame of nature round him break In ruin and confusion hurled, He, unconcerned, would hear the mighty…"

"And when 'midst fallen London they survey The stone where Alexander's ashes lay, Shall own with humble pride the less…"

"What cities, as great as this, have … promised themselves immortality! Posterity can hardly trace the situation of so…"