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the palaces of kings,
 * And marvelled at the storied treasure brought
 * With vast expenditure of time and thought

To play upon the heart's imaginings; All cunningly devised and priceless things—
 * Fine sculptured forms, rare, costly gems that caught
 * The sun, great canvases, and fabrics wrought

With wondrous skill to give the fancy wings.

But, coming forth, there crowded round my way
 * Such opulence of nature's tapestries,

That I reflected how the humblest may
 * Inherit all those lavish treasuries

Beside which human art is children's play,
 * And kings' possessions merest travesties.