2. pyramids: May refer to four obelisks (known as pyramids) restored and erected in Rome beginning in 1586 by Pope Sixtus V. May also be a general reference to imposing structures.

3. nothing: not at all.

4. dressings of a former sight: reconstructions of what has been seen before.

5. dates: lifetimes.   admire: wonder at.

7. make: deem.   born to our desire: i.e., the new things we would like to see.

8. told: told of.

9. registers: records.

12. Made more or less: Made to seem more or less true than they actually were.