CXXXIX. And here the buzz of eager nations ran, In murmur'd pity, or loud-roar'd applause, As man was slaughter'd by his fellow man. And wherefore slaughter'd? wherefore, but because Such were the bloody Circus' genial laws, And the imperial pleasure.-Wherefore not? What matters where we fall to fill the maws Of worms-on battle-plains or listed spot? Both are but theatres where the chief actors rot. CXL. I see before me the Gladiator lie: He leans upon his hand-his manly brow Like the first of a thunder-shower; and now The arena swims around him-he is gone, Ere ceased the inhuman shout which hail'd the wretch who won. CXLI. He heard it, but he heeded not-his eyes All this rush'd with his blood-Shall he expire CXLII. But here, where Murder breathed her bloody steam; Here, where the Roman million's blame or praise My voice sounds much—and fall the stars' faint rays Walls, palaces, half-cities, have been rear'd; And marvel where the spoil could have appear'd. When the colossal fabric's form is near'd: It will not bear the brightness of the day, And roar ̊C or » u ike a mountain stream Dashing or winding as its torrent strays; Here, where the Roman million's blame or praise My voice sounds much-and fall the stars' faint rays A ruin-yet what ruin! from its mass Walls, palaces, half-cities, have been rear'd; And marvel where the spoil could have appear'd. When the colossal fabric's form is near'd: It will not bear the brightness of the day, |