THE CONFLAGRATION OF MOSCOW. HER royal nest the Russian eagle fires, Her talons unexpended lightnings arm, Tis thy, ambition's grand funereal pile. 10 Blaze on, ye gilded domes, and turrets high, And like a furnace glow, thou trembling sky! And let that fiend o'er flames and ruins reign; A fiery dungeon, where he hop'd a throne. Blaze on! thou costliest, proudest sacrifice, E'er lit by patriot hands, or fann'd by patriot's sighs. By stubborn constancy of soul, a rock That firmly meets but to return the shock, By all that power inflicts, or slavery bears-- By all that freedom prompts, or valour dares→→→ By all that bids the bright historic page Of Greece and Rome inspire each after age--- By all of great, that must our wonder raise A world in arms-from Tanais to the Thames! 20 Hail! nobly-daring, wisely-desperate deed: 30 Then perish temple, palace, fort, or tow'r That screens a foeman in this vengeful hour; Let self-devotion rule this righteous cause, And triumph o'er affections, customs, laws; With Roman daring be the flag unfurl'd -- Themselves they conquer'd first, and then the world; Be this the dirge o'er Moscow's mighty grave, She stood to foster, but she fell to save! Her flames like Judah's guardian pillar rose To shield her children, to confound her foes; 40 That mighty beacon must not blaze in vain, It rouses earth, and streams high o'er the main. The sacrifice is made, the deed is done, Russia! thy woes are finish'd, Gaul's begun! Soon to return-retire! There is a time When earthly virtue must not cope with crime. Still as the calm, when on her siren breast The slumbering earthquake and the whirlwind rest. Nurse every nerve, and plume thy ruffled wing; As the dread eagle at the throne of Jove! 50 Each arm provide, and engine of the war, Till Rout and Havoc answer---Here we are! 60 And Valour, steel'd by virtuous energy, To just Revenge shall utter---Come with me! |