Previous 3 v Next © Neoclassicism I: Mastery Test © Submit Test Tool This excerpt from Annus Mirabilis by John Dryden speaks about London after It was ravaged by fire and plague. What Is the central Idea of the excerpt? More great than human now, and more august, Now defied she from her fires does rise: Her widening streets on new foundations trust, And opening Into larger parts she flles. Before, she like some shepherdess did show, Who sat to bathe her by a river's side; Not answering to her fame, but rude and low, Nor taught the beauteous arts of modern pride. Now, like a maiden queen, she will behold, From her high turrets, hourly suitors come; The East with incense, and the West with gold, Will stand, like suppliants, to recelve her doomi The silver Thames, her own domestic flood, Shall bear her vessels like a sweeping train; And often wind, as of his mistress proud, With longing eyes to meet her face again. OA. The growth and development of the city will endanger the river.