In this excerpt from annus mirabilis, john dryden speaks about london after it was ravaged by the great fire. which lines suggest that the city of london is looking ahead with renewed vigor? at length the almighty cast a pitying eye, and mercy softly touch'd his melting breast: he saw the town's one half in rubbish lie, and eager flames drive on to storm the rest.

the vanquish'd fires withdraw from every place, or, full with feeding, sink into a sleep: each household genius shows again his face, and from the hearths the little lares creep.

they have not lost their loyalty by fire; nor is their courage or their wealth so low, that from his wars they poorly would retire, or beg the pity of a vanquish'd foe.

methinks already from this chemic flame, i see a city of more precious mould: rich as the town which gives the indies name, with silver paved, and all divine with gold.