Alas ! each spacious Street
Was once so fill'd, the numerous Throng
Were forc'd to justle as they pass'd along;
And Thousands did with Thousands meet,
The Darling then of God, and Man's belov'd Retreat.
In thee was the bright Throne of Justice fixt,
Justice impartial, and with Fraud unmixt.
She scorn'd the Beauties of fallacious Gold,
Despising the most wealthy Bribes;
But did the sacred Balance hold
With God-like Faith to all our happy Tribes.
Thy well-built Streets, and ev'ry noble Square,
Were once with polish'd Marble laid,
And all thy lofty Bull-warks made
With wond'rous Labour, and with artful Care.
Thy pond'rous Gates, surprizing to behold,
Were cover'd o'er with solid Gold;
Whose Splendour did so glorious appear,
It ravish'd and amaz'd the Eye;
And Strangers passing, to themselves wou'd cry,
What mighty Heaps of Wealth are here!
How thick the Bars of massy Silver lie?
O happy People! and still happy be,
Celestial City! from Destruction free,
May'st thou enjoy a long entire Prosperity.