University of Virginia Library

“Demon! thy power is o'er me—none behold—
Rome's banded legions could not rescue me—
Yet I scorn, loathe, dare, trample thee, proud priest!

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What art thou but corrupted clay beneath
The furnace? but the loathsome bird that feasts
On desolation's relics?—Oh, there comes
A glad sound on mine ear—a triumph sound—
The deep earth-hymn of ruin! hark! it swirls
Along the abysses of the hills and seas,
Lifting the mountains with its breath—it comes!
Ye manes of mine ancestors! it comes!”