I stood 'mid the ruins of a city great,
And mused on the vagaries of destiny and fate.
Here, where I stand a city once stood,
With all its mingled bad and good.
Here dwelt man in all his glory,
Here men were born, and here men grew hoary.
In this empty hall wherein I stand
A king did issue his command.
There stood a palace stately, and tall,
Yonder, once was the city wall.
Yet where are all these now?
Where is all the glittering pomp and show?
All—all in the dust is laid low.