To plant their dams and towers athwart my stream.
But since the course of stern, relentless Fate,
Brings round the final fall, without avail,
Of this thy well-beloved Numantian state,
And closes up its sad and wondrous tale,
One comfort still its sorrows may abate,
That never shall Oblivion's sombre veil
Obscure the bright sun of its splendid deeds,
Admired by all, while age to age succeeds.
But though this day the cruel Romans wave