A monstrous, greedy, all-consuming fire,
Whose flames, replenished by our riches rare,
Assail the very heavens in their ire.
To this, with quickened speed, pricked on by care,
Or else, with timid feet, which sufferings tire,
Come all, as to a holy sacrifice,
And feed its flames with all the wealth they prize.
The pearl of beauty from the rosy East,
The gold into a thousand vessels made,
The diamond and ruby bright, increased