Edmund Clarence Stedman, ed. (1833–1908). A Victorian Anthology, 1837–1895. 1895.

Sir Charles George Douglas Roberts 1860–1943

The Deserted City

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THERE lies a little city leagues away.

Its wharves the green sea washes all day long.

Its busy, sun-bright wharves with sailors’ song

And clamor of trade ring loud the live-long day.

Into the happy harbor hastening, gay

With press of snowy canvas, tall ships throng.

The peopled streets to blithe-eyed Peace belong,

Glad housed beneath these crowding roofs of gray.

’T was long ago this city prospered so,

For yesterday a woman died therein.

Since when the wharves are idle fallen, I know,

And in the streets is hushed the pleasant din;

The thronging ships have been, the songs have been;—

Since yesterday it is so long ago.