Yet, in these volumes, see how states arose,
Guarded by virtue from surrounding foes;
Their virtue lost, and of their triumphs vain,
490
Lo! how they sunk to slavery again!
Satiate with power, of fame and wealth possess'd,
A nation grows too glorious to be bless'd;
Conspicuous made, she stands the mark of all,
And foes join foes to triumph in her fall.
Thus speaks the page that paints ambition's race,