- description
- # THE APPARITION
## Overview
"THE APPARITION" is a chapter within the poetry collection "[John Marr and Other Poems](arke:01KG8AJ5CWVMSM9AY2938E996H)". It is a poetic work extracted from the file "[john_marr_and_other_poems.txt](arke:01KG89J19Y3FNVN5KWASY78BP4)". The chapter is situated between the poems "HERBA SANTA" and "L’ENVOI".
## Context
This chapter is part of the larger "[Melville Complete Works](arke:01KG89HMDZKNY753EZE1CJ8HZW)" collection. The text was extracted from the file "[john_marr_and_other_poems.txt](arke:01KG89J19Y3FNVN5KWASY78BP4)" on January 30, 2026.
## Contents
The poem "THE APPARITION" reflects on historical and spiritual themes, referencing Emperor Constantine and the philosopher Diogenes. It explores the power of symbols and beliefs to influence individuals and society. The text begins with the epigraph, "_The Parthenon uplifted on its rock first challenging the view on the approach to Athens._"
- description_generated_at
- 2026-01-30T20:48:11.011Z
- description_model
- gemini-2.5-flash-lite
- description_title
- THE APPARITION
- end_line
- 1968
- extracted_at
- 2026-01-30T20:47:32.310Z
- extracted_by
- structure-extraction-lambda
- start_line
- 1944
- text
- THE APPARITION
_The Parthenon uplifted on its rock first challenging the view on the
approach to Athens._
Abrupt the supernatural Cross,
Vivid in startled air,
Smote the Emperor Constantine
And turned his soul’s allegiance there.
With other power appealing down,
Trophy of Adam’s best!
If cynic minds you scarce convert,
You try them, shake them, or molest.
Diogenes, that honest heart,
Lived ere your date began;
Thee had he seen, he might have swerved
In mood nor barked so much at Man.
- title
- THE APPARITION