Stop!—for thy tread is on an Empire's dust!

An Earthquake's spoil is sepulchred below!

Is the spot marked with no colossal bust?[287]

Nor column trophied for triumphal show?

None; but the moral's truth tells simpler so.—[gz] [288]

As the ground was before, thus let it be;—[ha]

How that red rain hath made the harvest grow!

And is this all the world has gained by thee,

Thou first and last of Fields! king-making Victory?