The conquering whites, with greedy will—
In unborn Naples by the sea.
E’er Indian came, the troglodyte
Reigned in his cave by a primal right;
And ages and ages remoter still,
Flew monsters of hideous claw and bill
O’er charming Naples yet to be.
A long ascent from warring snakes,
From reptilian waters and slimy lakes,
To singing birds and mirthful men,