With stores of purple fine and rich brocade,

Are hurled into the blazing fire, to feast

Its fierce luxurious flames, with grand parade;

Spoils these, which might have served the Roman bands

To fill their bosoms, and enrich their hands.

[Here enter certain people laden with robes, who go in by one door, and out by the other.

Turn thee to see a sight of misery!

See, how our swarming folk of every name

With quickened steps and eager faces fly

To feed the fury of the maddened flame!