By nature destined to a lofty fate.
Then tombs became the witnesses of pride,
And altars for the young: thence gods invoked,
Uttered their solemn answers; and the oath
Sworn on the father’s dust was thrice revered.
Hence the devotion, which with various rites,
The warmth of patriot virtue, kindred love,
Transmits us through the countless lapse of years.
Not in those times did stones sepulchral pave
The temple floors—nor fumes of shrouded corpses,