He reach’d that city, once the seat renown’d

Of Suevi kings, where, in contempt of Rome

Degenerate long, the North’s heroic race

Raised first a rival throne; now from its state

Of proud regality debased and fallen.

Still bounteous nature o’er the lovely vale,

Where like a Queen rose Bracara august,

Pour’d forth her gifts profuse; perennial springs

Flow’d for her habitants, and genial suns,

With kindly showers to bless the happy clime,