Page:Landon in Fisher's Drawing Room Scrap Book 1837.pdf/59

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This View of the City is taken from a burial-ground, called, in the picturesque phraseology of the East, "The City of the Dead." There was a vulture perched on one of the tombstones.

the vulture on the wind Mounted as in days of old, Leaving hope and fear behind, What did his dark flight behold!

Conquest, in its crimson car, Reddening sword and broken spear, Nations gathering to the war, These were in his wide career.

When the thunder and his wing Swept the startled earth below, Did the flight prophetic bring Omen of the world we know.

Vainly did the augur seek In its path the will of heaven; Not to that fierce eye and beak, Was the fated future given.

No, the future’s depths were stirred By the white wings of the dove; When the troubled earth first heard Words of peace, and words of love.

Now, far other hopes arise Over life’s enlarging day, Science, commerce, enterprise, Point to man his glorious way.

Where those distant deserts wind, Even now an English band Urge the triumphs of the mind Through a wild and savage land.