Men are we, and must grieve when even the Shade Of that which once was great is pass'd away.

 

On the Extinction of the Venetian Republic, 1802

by William Wordsworth

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 has reach'd its final day:

Men are we, and must grieve when even the Shade 

Of that which once was great is pass'd away.