Page:Songs, Legends, and Ballads.djvu/21

Rh Nay, no word! Here stand the Flamens:
 * Have ye read the omens, priests?

Slain the victims, white and sable,
 * Scanned the entrails of the beasts?

Priest of Pallas, see! the people
 * Ask for oracles to-day:

Silent! Priests of Mars and Venus?
 * Lo, they turn, dumb-lipped, away!

Priest of Jove? Flamen dialis!
 * Here in Jove's own temple meet

In debate the Roman Senate,
 * And Jove's priest with timid feet

Stands beyond the altar railing!
 * Gods, I feel ye frown above!

In the shadow of Jove's altar
 * Men defy the might of Jove!

Treason riots in the temple
 * At the sacrilege profound:

Virgins mocked, and augurs banished,
 * And divinities discrowned!