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Rh A black and terrible shadow, as the gloom Of the destroying angel's form; the wind Swept past with hollow murmur; and the birds Ceasing their song of joyfulness, with mute, And quick, and tremulous flight, for shelter sought! Fear was on every living thing: the earth Trembled as she presag'd some coming ill; The voice of thunder spake; and in the midst Of that proud city, in the midst of Rome, The ground was riven in twain; and in the spot, Where human steps had but so lately been, There yawn'd a fearful gulf, dark as the powers Of hell were gather'd there—no eye might scan That fathomless abyss; the augur's voice Hath told the will of heaven—nought may close That gulf of terror, till it is the grave Of all Rome holds most precious. Then came forth A youthful warrior—"What is dear to Rome, But patriot valour? Ye infernal Gods,