Next I’ll turn Asiatic. In Babylon I’ll seek for
the far-renowned harlots and hanging gardens,—
that’s to say, the chief traces of civilisation.
Then at one bound to the ramparts of Troy.
From Troy there’s a fareway by sea direct
across to the glorious ancient Athens;—
there on the spot will I, stone by stone,
survey the Pass that Leonidas guarded.
I will get up the works of the better philosophers,
find the prison where Socrates suffered, a martyr —;
oh no, by-the-bye-there’s a war there at present —!
Well then, my Hellenism must even stand over.
[Looks at his watch.]
It’s really too bad, such an age as it takes
for the sun to rise. I am pressed for time.
Well then, from Troy — it was there I left off —
[Rises and listens.]
What is that strange sort of murmur that’s rushing —?
[Sunrise.]