How often have the people said: “What’s power?”

Who reigns soon is dethroned? each fleeting hour

Has onward borne, as in a fevered dream,

Such quick reverses, like a judge supreme—

Austere but just, they contemplate the end

To which the current of events must tend.

Self-confidence has taught them to forbear,

And in the vastness of their strength, they spare.

Armed with impunity, for one in vain

Resists a nation, they let others reign.