There, where a nation flourished once in plenty and repose,
Scarce for the hardy camels’ feed, a scanty herbage grows.
And o’er that sandy desert roams the Arab, fierce and wild,
Where dwelt in peace the Moabite, and verdant meadows smiled.
Thy pride, O haughty nation, has thy sure destruction wrought,
And o’er thy once fair, happy land deep misery has brought.
Where are your haughty sovereigns, your luxurious people, where?
Your conquering armies, riches, splendor, mighty power?
All, all are gone, amidst thy temples creep the briars and the Thorn,
And deadly serpents hiss among thy palaces forlorn.”