Sultans, kings, and emperors.

Man and steed in ponderous metal

Panoplied, they seemed to settle,

Condors gaunt of devastation,

On the world: behind their march—

Desolation: Conflagration

Loomed before them with her torch.

Helmets flamed like fearful flowers:

Chariots rose and moving towers:

Captains passed: each fierce commander