“For each age is a dream that is dying,
Or one that is coming to birth.”

— Arthur O'Shaughnessy , Ode

Music and Moonlight (1874), Ode
Context: We, in the ages lying
In the buried past of the earth,
Built Nineveh with our sighing,
And Babel itself with our mirth;
And o'erthrew them with prophesying
To the old of the new world's worth;
For each age is a dream that is dying,
Or one that is coming to birth.

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Arthur O'Shaughnessy 15

British poet 1844–1881

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