At Rome ferst if we beginne:

The wall and al the Cit withinne[180]

Stant in ruine and in decas,[181]

The feld is wher the Paleis was,[182]

The toun is wast; and overthat,

If we beholde thilke astat 840

Which whilom was of the Romeins,

Of knyhthode and of Citezeins,

To peise now with that beforn,

The chaf is take for the corn,[183]