I am the Empire in the last of its decline,
That sees the tall, fair-haired Barbarians pass--the while
Composing indolent acrostics, in a style
Of gold, with languid sunshine dancing in each line. The solitary soul is heart-sick with a vile
Ennui. Down yon, they say, War's torches bloody shine.
Alas, to be so faint of will, one must resign
The chance of brave adventure in the splendid file-- Of death, perchance! Alas, so lagging in desire!
Ah, all is drunk! Bathyllus, hast done laughing, pray?
Ah, all is drunk--all eaten! Nothing more to say! Alone, a vapid verse one tosses in the fire;
Alone, a somewhat thievish slave neglecting one;
Alone, a vague disgust of all beneath the sun!