A gorgeous couch!—rest captive conqueror!

The orient guards thy bright triumphal car.

But, lo, another scene—a battle-plain—

The deep-toned roar of Heaven’s artillery!

’Mid iron hail and lightning-flash, again

The shattered hosts rush fiercely to the fray!

’Mid foaming steed, and flashing shield and spear,

And waving oriflame, those warrior-clouds

Surge onward like the sea!—a mighty bier

Yawns to receive them—for the darkness shrouds