Earth hath not anything to show more fair:
Dull would he be of soul who could pass by
A sight so touching in its majesty:
This City now doth, like a garment, wear
The beauty of the morning; silent, bare,
Ships, towers, domes, theatres and temples lie
Open unto the fields, and to the sky;
All bright and glittering in the smokeless air.
Never did sun more beautifully steep
The poet is exploring the diverse power of London in this line. All things mentioned are man made. The ships and towers may represent the militaristic power of the British empire, with London as it’s hub. The ships also show the trading power, which is closely linked to the economy of imperialism. The domes and temples represent the piety of the city, and perhaps imply it is blessed or favoured by God himself. Finally the theatres show the cultural significance of London, and its dominance in that are in the 1800s.
Composed upon Westminster Bridge September 3 1802