Observations placeholder
Wordsworth, William - The appearance, instantaneously disclosed was of a mighty city
Identifier
000197
Type of Spiritual Experience
Background
A description of the experience
The appearance, instantaneously disclosed
Was of a mighty city – boldly say
A wilderness of building, sinking far
And self-withdrawn into a wondrous depth,
Far sinking into splendour without end!
Fabric it seemed of diamond and of gold
With alabaster domes and silver spires,
And blazing terrace upon terrace, high
Uplifted; here, serene pavilions bright
In avenues disposed; there towers begirt
With battlements that on their restless fronts
Bore stars – illumination of all gems!
By earthly nature had the effect been wrought
Upon the dark materials of the storm
Now pacified; on them, and on the coves
And mountain steeps and summits, whereunto
The vapours had receded – taking there
Their station under a cerulean sky