Vincenzo da Filicaja (1642–1707)

Translated by Thomas Le Mesurier

HERE once ye stood, ye cities! now no more,

In witness of your place, one stone remains,

Where one may write, “Here oped the yawning plains,

Here Syracuse, Catania stood of yore.”

I o’er your doleful solitary shore

You in yourselves oft seek, where only reigns

A horrid stillness, that with sorrow drains

My soul: my feet are check’d, my eyes run o’er.

And, oh! of wrath divine example dread!

I cry,—I see thee, nor yet read thee right;

Nor to thy awful dictates bow my head!

Then rise, o’erwhelmëd cities! bring to light

The mighty wonder! let your huge bones spread,

And strike each guilty age with just affright!