Page:Zinzendorff and Other Poems.pdf/141

Rh And ever in her ears a mournful sound,— The weeping of the nations. Loudly shriek'd A martial trump, and on his banner'd car War like a sovereign came. Unnumber'd spoils Were strew'd around him, and the blood of men Flow'd as a river, 'neath his chariot wheels. His eagle eye the promis'd honor scann'd, As an undoubted right. But still stern Death Ponder'd, and spake not, till, with haughty pride, The candidate withdrew, and trembling Earth Shrank at his kindled rage. There was a pause, As if none dare in that foil'd champion's steps Essay to tread. At length, a bloated form Mov'd slowly on, with mix'd and maddening bowl; But ere the footstool of the throne he press'd, Death, with a father's fondness, hasting down, Embraced, and in the seat of empire plac'd. Great was the wonder, but none dare gainsay; And with a fearful shout all Nature's foes, Diseases, passions, wars and sins, pronounced Intemperance their king; and at his feet Their boasted, time-cemented trophies cast.