Page:1819 Edinburgh Annual Register.pdf/13

 And censers wav'd around; And lyres were strung, and bright libations pour'd, When, through the streets, flash'd out th' avenging sword, Fearless and free, the sword with myrtles bound* !

Through Rome a triumph pass'd; Rich in her sun-god's mantling beams went by That long array of glorious pageantry, With shout and trumpet-blast. An empire's gems their starry splendour shed O'er the proud march; a king in chains was led, A victor, crown'd and rob'd, came stately last †.

And many a Dryad's bow'r Had lent the laurels, which, in waving play, Stirr'd the warm air, and gisten’d round his way, As a quick-flashing show’r. O'er his own porch, meantime, the cypress hung; Through his fair halls a cry of anguish rung— Woe for the dead!—the father's broken flow’r!

A sound of lyre and song, In the still night, went floating o'er the Nile, Whose waves by many an old mysterious pile, Swept with that voice along; And lamps were shining o'er the red wine's foam, Where a chief revell'd in a monarch's dome, And fresh rose-garlands deck'd a glittering throng.

'Twas Anthony that bade The joyous chords ring out!—but strains arose Of wilder omen at the banquet's close Sounds by no mortal made‡ , Shook Alexandria through her streets that night, And pass'd—and with another sunset's light The kingly Roman on his bier was laid.

Bright midst its vineyards lay The fair Campanian city§, with its tow'rs And temples gleaming through dark olive bow'rs, Clear in the golden day; Joy was around it as the glowing sky, And crowds had fill'd its halls of revelry, And all the sunny air was music's way.