Glory and Empire! once upon these towers[241]

With Freedom—godlike Triad! how you sate!

The league of mightiest nations, in those hours

When Venice was an envy, might abate,

But did not quench, her spirit—in her fate

All were enwrapped: the feasted monarchs knew

And loved their hostess, nor could learn to hate,

Although they humbled—with the kingly few

The many felt, for from all days and climes

She was the voyager's worship;—even her crimes110

Were of the softer order, born of Love—

She drank no blood, nor fattened on the dead,

But gladdened where her harmless conquests spread;

For these restored the Cross, that from above

Hallowed her sheltering banners, which incessant

Flew between earth and the unholy Crescent,[242]

Which, if it waned and dwindled, Earth may thank

The city it has clothed in chains, which clank

Now, creaking in the ears of those who owe

The name of Freedom to her glorious struggles;120

Yet she but shares with them a common woe,

And called the "kingdom"[243] of a conquering foe,—

But knows what all—and, most of all, we know—

With what set gilded terms a tyrant juggles!