And o’er th’ unfathom’d sandy deep,
Where low their nameless relics sleep,
Oft shall the future pilgrim tread,
Nor know his steps are on the dead.
[201] The mirage, or vapour assuming the appearance of water.
[202] See the description of the Simoom in Bruce’s Travels.
[203] The extreme languor and despondence produced by the Simoom, even when its effects are not fatal, have been described by many travellers.
MARIUS AMONGST THE RUINS OF CARTHAGE.
[“Marius, during the time of his exile, seeking refuge in Africa, had landed at Carthage, when an officer, sent by the Roman governor of Africa, came and thus addressed him:—“Marius, I come from the Prætor Sextilius, to tell you that he forbids you to set foot in Africa. If you obey not, he will support the Senate’s decree, and treat you as a public enemy.” Marius, upon hearing this, was struck dumb with grief and indignation. He uttered not a word for some time, but regarded the officer with a menacing aspect. At length the officer inquired what answer he should carry to the governor. “Go and tell him,” said the unfortunate man, with a sigh, “that thou hast seen the exiled Marius sitting on the ruins of Carthage.”—Plutarch.]
’Twas noon, and Afric’s dazzling sun on high