Classic Poem

SCYTHIA .

Of Scythian wastes proud undisputed lord,
You led your blue-eyed stalwart Huns, whose cries
Of brutal joy and uncontrolled surprise,
Hailed Rome a vassal to your conquering sword!

But golden ransoms in your coffers poured;
You that were named the scourge of God, unwise,
Duped by a Valentinian of the prize,
At victory's gates withdrew your impatient horde!

Whene'er my mind is haunted by your name
I see the Roman streets ablaze with light!
Your advent, white-haired senators proclaim,
All is confusion, consternation, fright!
The guard Praetorian buckles for the fight,
And the great city burns with rage and shame!