Page:The Works of Lord Byron (ed. Coleridge, Prothero) - Volume 2.djvu/162

128 Forgets that Pride to pampered priesthood dear;

Churchman and Votary alike despised.

Foul Superstition! howsoe'er disguised,

Idol—Saint—Virgin—Prophet—Crescent—Cross—

For whatsoever symbol thou art prized,

Thou sacerdotal gain, but general loss!

Who from true Worship's gold can separate thy dross?

XLV.

Ambracia's gulf behold, where once was lost

A world for Woman, lovely, harmless thing!

In yonder rippling bay, their naval host

Did many a Roman chief and Asian KingN15

To doubtful conflict, certain slaughter bring:

Look where the second Cæsar's trophies rose! N16

Now, like the hands that reared them, withering:

Imperial Anarchs, doubling human woes!

God! was thy globe ordained for such to win and lose?