With every tint that charm’d the great of yore—

Th’ imperial ones of earth, who proudly bade

Their marble domes e’en ocean’s realm invade.

That race is gone—but glorious Nature here

Maintains unchanged her own sublime career,

And bids these regions of the sun display

Bright hues, surviving empires pass’d away.

The beam of heaven expands—its kindling smile

Reveals each charm of many a fairy isle,

Whose image floats, in softer colouring drest,