Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, ed. Poems of Places: An Anthology in 31 Volumes.
Germany: Vols. XVII–XVIII. 1876–79.
In the Cathedral of Cologne
By William Wordsworth (1770–1850)O
This temple,—angels governed by a plan
Thus far pursued (how gloriously!) by man,
Studious that he might not disdain the seat
Who dwells in heaven! But that aspiring heat
Hath failed; and now, ye powers! whose gorgeous wings
And splendid aspect yon emblazonings
But faintly picture, ’t were an office meet
For you, on these unfinished shafts to try
The midnight virtues of your harmony:—
This vast design might tempt you to repeat
Strains that call forth upon empyreal ground
Immortal fabrics, rising to the sound
Of penetrating harps and voices sweet!