Read the excerpt.
Who are these coming to the sacrifice?
To what green altar, O mysterious priest,
Lead’st thou that heifer lowing at the skies,
And all her silken flanks with garlands dressed?
What little town by river or seashore,
Or mountain-built with peaceful citadel,
Is emptied of this folk, this pious morn?
Why is the little town empty in these lines from Verse IV of “Ode on a Grecian Urn” by John Keats?
The people have all gone on trips to the seashore or mountains.
The people have all gone to attend a religious ceremony.
The people are all farmers who are tending their cattle in the fields.
The people were sacrificed by priests of conquering armies.