Urbs Sacra Aeterna
Urbs Sacra Aeterna - meaning Summary
Rome's Layered Rise and Fall
Wilde traces Rome’s long history from imperial republic to crowned monarch, through Gothic occupation to modern Italy. He contrasts secular power—swords, eagles and conquered nations—with spiritual authority embodied by the Church. The poem suggests Rome’s true glory is not in past imperial dominance but in its role as the pilgrim city and seat of the captive pope, portraying a city sanctified by faith yet diminished by temporal politics.
Read Complete AnalysesROME! what a scroll of History thine has been In the first days thy sword republican Ruled the whole world for many an age's span: Then of thy peoples thou wert crownèd Queen, Till in thy streets the bearded Goth was seen; And now upon thy walls the breezes fan (Ah, city crowned by God, discrowned by man!) The hated flag of red and white and green. When was thy glory! when in search for power Thine eagles flew to greet the double sun, And all the nations trembled at thy rod? Nay, but thy glory tarried for this hour, When pilgrims kneel before the Holy One, The prisoned shepherd of the Church of God.
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