And where is now that palace gone, All the magical skill'd stone, All the dreaming towers wrought By Love as if no more than thought The unresisting marble was? How could such a wonder pass? Ah, it was but built in vain Against the stupid horns of Rome, That pusht down into the common loam The loveliness that shone in Spain. But we have raised it up again! A loftier palace, fairer far, Is ours, and one that fears no war. Safe in marvellous walls we are; Wondering sense like builded fires, High amazement of desires, Delight and certainty of love, Closing around, roofing above Our unapproacht and perfect hour Within the splendours of love's power.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Abercrombie contrasts the destruction of physical palaces by war with the safety of an inner palace built from love and desire.
- In plain terms
- Stone castles fall to war but the feeling of love builds a safe home inside.
- What can you take from it?
- Emotional bonds outlast physical structures.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- Can emotion truly protect against physical harm?
- What endures after material loss?
Another view
It idealizes love as a shield against reality.
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