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(From Ruins of Many Lands)
BUT now famed Memphis’ ancient bounds are gained, | |
| Where the long line of iron Pharaohs reigned. | |
| Hallowed by sacred lore, these scenes impart | |
| A speechless awe, yet interest to the heart. | |
| Here exiled Joseph rose to wealth and fame, | 5 |
| And, bent with years, the trembling Israel came. | |
| Yonder in Goshen toiled, with many a sigh, | |
| His countless sons, and mourned for days gone by; | |
| And far away, where sweeps the Red Sea shore, | |
| Lies the long track their myriads hurried o’er, | 10 |
| When blazed the fiery cloud o’er mount and plain, | |
| And midnight winds rolled back the subject main, | |
| While Moses led them on with wand of might, | |
| Saw Pharaoh’s host, nor trembled at the sight. | |
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| But Memphis’ kings are less than ashes now, | 15 |
| The crowns e’en dust, that decked each royal brow. | |
| Goshen, where Israel toiled, no trace retains | |
| Of all the towers they built, when scourged in chains. | |
| Memphis herself, as cursed for injuries piled | |
| On Judah’s head, long, long hath strewn the wild. | 20 |
| Where is the shrine to soft-eyed Apis reared, | |
| That sacred bull, kings, blood-stained chiefs revered? | |
| Where Vulcan’s fane? and, gorgeous as a dream, | |
| The gold-roofed palace raised by Nilus’ stream? | |
| No vestige meets the pilgrim’s curious gaze; | 25 |
| O’er Memphis’ site the turbaned robber strays; | |
| Each wall is razed, each pillared shrine o’erthrown; | |
| The sands drift on, the desert breezes moan; | |
| Shades of the Pharaohs! rise from marble sleep! | |
| And o’er your lost loved city bend and weep! | 30 |
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