Rome ruled in all her matchless pride,
Queen of the world, an empire-state;
Her eagles conquered far and wide;
Her word was law, her will was fate.
Within her immemorial walls
The temples of the gods looked down;
Her forum echoed with the calls
To greater conquest and renown.
All wealth, all splendor, and all might
The world could give, before her lay;
She dreamed not there could come a night
To dim the glory of her day.
Rome perished: Legions could not save,
Nor wealth, nor might, nor majesty,--
The Roman had become a slave,
But the barbarian was free.
--Arthur Chamberlain