The shock of shells, the furious fire-ball’s heat—

All are but easy triumphs of my hands,

All are but humble spoils beneath my feet;

If against me no palace-wall is proof,

Ah! what can save the lowly cottage-roof?

Beauty, nor power, nor genius, can survive,

Naught can resist my voice when I sweep by;

For whatsoever has been let to live,

It is my destined duty to see die.

With all the stern commands that thou mayst give,