The power of miserable man.
To abase his fame, his pride to gall,
How fate delights! and works that vast
He rears, and dares eternal call,
Throws over with a blast!
Today the traveller, as he roves
Along the Tiber, has to trace
Through ruins, where that was high Jove’s
Triumphant city had its place!
The plough breaks up the fruitful mould,