And, “I go,” said the Vandal. And went. When at last to the gates he was come,
Loud he knock’d with his fierce iron fist. And full drowsily answer’d him Rome.
“Who is it that knocketh so loud? Get thee hence. Let me be. For ’tis late.”
“Thou art wanted,” cried Genseric. “Open! His name that hath sent me is Fate,
And mine, who knock late, Retribution.”
Rome gave him her glorious things;
The keys she had conquer’d from kingdoms: the crowns she had wrested from kings:
And Genseric bore them away into Carthage, avenged thus on Rome,
And paused, and said, laughing, “Where next?”
And again the Ghost answer’d him, “Home!