Edwin Arlington Robinson — Villanelle of Change

Since Persia fell at Marathon,        &nbsp The yellow years have gathered fast: Long centuries have come and gone. And yet (they say) the place will don        &nbsp A phantom fury of the past, Since Persia fell at Marathon; And as of old, when Helicon        &nbsp Trembled and swayed with rapture vast (Long centuries have come and gone), This ancient plain, when night comes on,        &nbsp Shakes to a ghostly battle-blast, Since Persia fell at Marathon. But into soundless Acheron        &nbsp The glory of Greek shame was cast: Long centuries have come and gone, The suns of Hellas have all shone,        &nbsp The first has fallen to the last: — Since Persia fell at Marathon, Long centuries have come and gone.