Page:Cyder - a poem in two books (1708).djvu/22

BOOK I.  The thronging Populace with hasty Strides Press furious, and, too eager of Escape, Obstruct the easie Way; the rocking Town Supplants their Footsteps; to, and fro, they reel Astonish'd, as o'er-charg'd with Wine; when lo! The Ground adust her riven Mouth disparts, Horrible Chasm, profound! with swift Descent Old Ariconium sinks, and all her Tribes, Heroes, and Senators, down to the Realms Of endless Night. Mean while, the loosen'd Winds Infuriate, molten Rocks and flaming Globes Hurl'd high above the Clouds; 'till, all their Force Consum'd, her rav'nous Jaws th' Earth satiate clos'd. Thus this fair City fell, of which the Name Survives alone; nor is there found a Mark, Whereby the curious Passenger may learn Her ample Site, save Coins, and mould'ring Urns, And huge unweildy Bones, lasting Remains Rh