“Let us tell the tales of the past to each other;

I can tell of a banquet and revel and mirth,

Where the proudest and grandest souls on earth

Fell under my touch as though struck by blight;

For I was a king, and I ruled in might;

From the heads of kings I have torn the crown,

From the height of fame I have hurled men down,

I have blasted many an honored name;

I have taken virtue and given shame;

I have made the arm of the driver fail,