Question

in this excerpt from annus mirabilis, john dryden speaks about london after it was ravaged by the great fire. which section suggests that the city of london is looking ahead with renewed vigor?

at length the almighty cast a pitying eye,
and mercy softly touchd his melting breast:
he saw the towns one half in rubbish lie,
and eager flames drive on to storm the rest.
...
the vanquishd 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 vanquishd 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.

Explanation:

To determine which section shows London looking ahead with renewed vigor, we analyze each part:

• The first section describes the destruction from the fire.
• The second section talks about fires withdrawing and household spirits returning, showing a return to normalcy but not yet forward - looking vigor.
• The third section focuses on the people's loyalty and courage, not the city's future vigor.
• The fourth section ("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.") describes a vision of a rebuilt, more precious and wealthy city, indicating London is looking ahead with renewed vigor as it imagines a better - built future.

Answer:

The section "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."