THE CHRISTIAN. BOOK THE FIFTH. WHEN 5 And bow, though sullen, to her daring throne. 10 This was the famous empire, which of old, Daniel, belov'd and taught of heav'n, foretold Should tread the nations of the earth in fight, Terrific, irresistible in might. Vespasian now to Alexandria sends 15 Titus his son, while he to Syria bends, Where met the Roman and confed'rate force. 20 All Galilee was spread with fire and blood, 25 'Twas scarcely known where once her cities stood. For Titus now had join'd his warlike sire, A son inheriting an equal fire, With num'rous troops from Alexandria brought, Troops for their faithfulness and valor sought. 30 Soon Gadara to their ambition fell, No Jew was left its cruel fate to tell. Nor did Samaria undisturb'd remain, For almost each Samaritan was slain. And all the city from the earth was raz’d. 35 40 And dares the vengeance of Rome's thunderbolts. For it was high erected on a rock, Form'd to withstand of all assault the shock. Its tow'rs, howe'er, th' intrepid Romans gain, 45 Yet with much slaughter quit those tow'rs again; So unforeseen, and so severe a blow. Fall unexcepted in a common grave. Titus was order'd Giscala to tame, And make obedient to the Roman name'; When John (who bore his surname from the place, Whom we shall after mention with disgrace) Pretending treaty, makes a secret flight, With others to Jerusalem by night. But those inhabitants who staid behind, Left by their leaders and distrest in mind, 55 And found that mercy which they wish'd to know. These awful judgments were pursu'd by worse, 65 And laid, where'r they could, Judea waste. Soon after this, the Romans follow'd those, A num'rous crew, a total overthrow. Their bodies nearly chok'd old Jordan's flood, To the dead sea which ran distain'd with blood. Unhappy Jericho was sack'd and fir'd, Ere from the place its citizens retir❜d. It would be tedious, difficult, to tell, What men, what cities, to the Romans fell; Conquest attended on its dread career. But hearing now of Nero's death at home, Vespasian thinks of a return to Rome; He quits the conquest of Jerusalem, That army which had scourg'd the Holy Land. O pious muse, in awful strains relate, -Superb Jerusalem's predicted fate. Behold the minister of wrath appears, And in his train in gloomy pomp he bears 90 Line 89, &c. Most of the following particulars relative to the siege and destruction of Jerusalem, are |