And Latium called the land where safe he lay

From his unduteous son, and his usurping sway.

With his mild empire, peace and plenty came;

And hence the golden times derived their name.

A more degenerate and discoloured age

Succeeded this, with avarice and rage.

The Ausonians then, and bold Sicanians, came;

And Saturn's empire often changed the name.

Then kings—gigantic Tybris, and the rest—

With arbitrary sway the land oppressed: