Doom noblest things to premature decay:

The feudal court, the patriarchal sway

Of Kings, the cheerful homage of a land

Unskilled in treason, every social band

That taught to rule with sweetness, and obey

With dignity,—swept, one by one, away!

While proud empirics rule, in fell command.

Yet, Christian! faint not at the sickening sight,

Nor vainly strive with that Supreme Decree.

Thou hast a treasure and an armoury