That midst the world’s degenerate race
They vainly sought a dwelling-place,
Within that house of death didst brood
O’er visions to thy ruin woo’d.
Yet, worthy of a brighter lot,
Rienzi, be thy faults forgot!
For thou, when all around thee lay
Chain’d in the slumbers of decay—
So sunk each heart, that mortal eye
Had scarce a tear for liberty—