II.

Long ages past!--they left her porphyry halls Still trod by kingly footsteps. Gems and gold Broider’d her mantle, and her castled walls Frown’d in their strength; yet there were signs which told The days were full. The pure high faith of old Was changed; and on her silken couch of sleep She lay, and murmur’d if a rose-leaf’s fold Disturb’d her dreams; and call’d her slaves to keep Their watch, that no rude sound might reach her o’er the deep.