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.