Their way was marked with hostile flame

That spread in fury to devour

Palace and temple, gate and tower.

Down came the walls and porches, down

Came stately piles that graced the town.

In many a house the fire was red,

On sandal wood and aloe fed.

And scorching flames in billows rolled

O'er diamonds and pearls and gold.

On cloth of wool, on silk brocade,