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William Wordsworth - On the Extinction of the Venetian Republic
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.   Once did She hold the gorgeous east in fee; 
    And was the safeguard of the west: the worth
    Of Venice did not fall below her birth,
    Venice, the eldest Child of Liberty.
    She was a maiden City, bright and free;
    No guile seduced, no force could violate;
    And, when she took unto herself a Mate,
    She must espouse the everlasting Sea.
    And what if she had seen those glories fade,
   Those titles vanish, and that strength decay;
   Yet shall some tribute of regret be paid
   When her long life hath reached its final day:
   Men are we, and must grieve when even the Shade
   Of that which once was great is passed away.
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