Aix-La-Chapelle

If those were grand architectures for grand accomplishments, they seem much less grand now. The doorways, where I must stoop, were made for short people, the chairs and tables for dolls.

Aix-La-Chapelle

— by William Wordsworth

Was it to disenchant, and to undo, That we approached the seat of Charlemaine? To sweep from many an old romantic strain That faith which no devotion may renew! Why does this puny Church present to view Her feeble columns? and that scanty chair! This sword that one of our weak times might wear! Objects of false pretense, or meanly true! If from a traveler’s fortune I might claim A palpable memorial of that day, Then would I seek the Pyrenean Breach That Roland clove with huge two-handed sway, And to the enormous labour left his name, Where unremitting frosts the rocky crescent bleach.