Page:The Works of Lord Byron (ed. Coleridge, Prothero) - Volume 2.djvu/451

CANTO IV.] First Freedom, and then Glory—when that fails,

Wealth—Vice—Corruption,—Barbarism at last.

And History, with all her volumes vast,

Hath but one page,—'tis better written here,

Where gorgeous Tyranny hath thus amassed

All treasures, all delights, that Eye or Ear,

Heart, Soul could seek—Tongue ask—Away with words! draw near,

CIX.

Admire—exult—despise—laugh—weep,—for here

There is such matter for all feeling:—Man!

Thou pendulum betwixt a smile and tear,

Ages and Realms are crowded in this span,

This mountain, whose obliterated plan

The pyramid of Empires pinnacled,

Of Glory's gewgaws shining in the van

Till the Sun's rays with added flame were filled!

Where are its golden roofs? where those who dared to build?