Thou stoodst a monument of strength sublime,

A Giant, laughing at the threats of Time!

Strange scenes have passed within thy walls! and strange

Has been thy fate through many a chance and change!

Thy Towers have heard the war-cry, and the shout

Of friends within, and answering foes without,

Have rung to sounds of revelry, while mirth

Held her carousal, when the sons of earth

Sported with joy, till even he could bring

No fresh delight upon his drooping wing!