The fates were preparing the horrors and scourges of war.

Amusements enjoyed by the vulgar no longer can charm

Nor pleasures worn threadbare by use of the plebeian mob.

The bronzes of Corinth are praised by the soldier at sea;

And glittering gems sought in earth, vie with purple of Tyre;

Numidia curses her here, there, the exquisite silks

Of China; Arabia's people have stripped their own fields.

Behold other woes and calamities outraging peace!

Wild beasts, in the forest are hunted, for gold; and remote

African hammon is covered by beaters, for fear

Some beast that slays men with his teeth shall escape, for by that

His value to men is enhanced! The vessels receive

Strange ravening monsters; the tiger behind gilded bars

And pacing his cage is transported to Rome, that his jaws

May drip with the life blood of men to the plaudits of men