The answer is that these things must be left to God's "due time and providence."
IV.—The Last Temptation
The Tempter now brings the Saviour round to the western side of the mountain, and there Rome
An imperial city stood; With towers and temples proudly elevate On seven hills, with palaces adorned, Porches and theatres, baths, aqueducts, Statues and trophies, and triumphal arcs, Gardens and groves. Queen of the Earth, So far renowned, and with the spoils enriched Of nations.
But this "grandeur and majestic show of luxury" has no effect on Christ, who says:
"Know, when my season comes to sit On David's throne, it shall be like a tree Spreading and overshadowing all the earth; Or as a stone that shall to pieces dash All monarchies besides throughout the world, And of my Kingdom there shall be no end."
The offer of the kingdoms of the world incurs the stern rebuke:
"Get thee behind me! Plain thou now appear'st That Evil One, Satan, for ever damned."
Still the Fiend is not utterly abashed, but, arguing that "the childhood shows the man as morning shows the day," and that Christ's empire is one of mind, he, as a last temptation from the "specular mount," shows Athens.