Page:Prometheus Unbound - Shelley.djvu/213

 The bosom of their violated nurse Groan'd, for beasts warr'd on beasts, and worms on worms, And men on *ien; each heart was as a hell of storms.

Man, the imperial shape, then multiplied His generations under the pavilion Of the Sun's throne: palace and pyramid, Temple and prison, to many a swarming million, Were, as to mountain-wolves their ragged caves. This human living multitude Was savage, cunning, blind, and rude, For thou wert not; but o'er the populous solitude, Like one fierce cloud over a waste of waves Hung tyranny; beneath, sate deified The sister-pest, congregator of slaves Into the shadow of her pinions wide; Anarchs and priests who feed on gold and blood, Till with the stain their inmost souls are dyed, Drove the astonished herds of men from every side.