Page:Queen Moo's talisman; the fall of the Maya empire (IA queenmoostalisma00leplrich).djvu/34

 High towers of stone in fragments crumbled down—

Of perfect structure those, and wide renown.

About man's shattered works the waters whirled,

And he, to Terror's chariot lashed, was hurled

To deep repose or spheres to man unknown,

While mangled body lay in ocean prone.

Above the horrid sights and awful fear

Dark waters rolled, mud-laden many a year.

At dawn high crested waves, victorious,

Exulted over Mu long glorious!

Of what she was, some vestige yet may rest

In depth profound 'neath Ocean's heaving breast.

Perchance, when ages shall have fled, that land,

Stripped bare-- again unable to withstand

Volcanic force, that will her life-springs start—

May rise, and thus reborn again take part

On this small globe, mere cosmic spark! yet still

A universe whose powers await man's will."

"To Ku the Mighty, hosts of souls went back

Upon that thirteenth night in month of Zac.

The dross returned to nursery of Earth—

All form to fire and water owes its birth.

Our wisemen then by edict made that date

Each week, of thirteen days, to terminate.

And noble hearts that day, with sacred rite,

In urns are hid away from mortal sight;