The Pyramids! When did they rear Their sombre bulk to Time's stern gaze? Canst estimate the thought -- the care -- The lives condemned -- the flight of days -- That went to consecrate the pile Where Egypt's tyrants now repose, The sentient serpents of the Nile, At whose commands the phantoms rose? Each stone cemented with the gore, The tears and sweat of some poor slave! For each dead king the millions bore Into the gloomy vaults, his grave, A thousand men, perchance, had bled, Had sacrificed their all in death, To guard the tyrant in his bed And watch for his returning breath! |