The Sonnets Of Tommaso Campanella - Nebuchadnezzar's Image.

Babel disfatta.


The golden head was Babylon; she passed:
        Persia came next, the silvern breast: whereto
        Joined brazen flank and belly--these are you,
        Ye men of Macedon! Now Rome's the last.
Rome on two iron legs towered tall and vast;
        But at her feet were toes of clay, that drew
        Downfall: those scattered tribes erewhile she knew
        For lords; now 'neath her fatal sway they're cast.
Ah thirsty soil! From your parched fallow fumes
        A smoke of pride, vain-glory, cruelty,
        That blinds, infects, and blackens, and consumes!
To Daniel, to the Bible you refuse
        Your rebel sense; for it is still your use
        To screen yourself with lies and sophistry.