LELIA. 67 



and a wanton trifling with the dearest feelings of human nature, 

 forced them into a last though vain effort for freedom. Smarting 

 with their injuries, heart-seared with a sense of their wrongs, in 

 despite of tyranny and in hopelessness of confederacy, the Poles 

 waged their existence against success, and rushed into revolt. " These 

 were the reasons why the people rose." Who of us can forget how 

 nearly that essay was successful ? how boldly and how long the un- 

 equal struggle was maintained? Indeed, but for the treachery of 

 some and the timidity of others among the nations of Europe, Po- 

 land might have now been numbered among her independent king- 

 doms. Alas ! Le bon jour ne reviendra jamais. 



P. 



LELIA. 



BY. P. GASKELL, ESQ. 



[Continuedfrom No. IV.] 



CANTO II. 



ARGUMENT The Plague in Rome Dispersion of the Slaves of Flavius Sufferings 

 of Lelia Care of the Christian Slaves Its success Effect upon Flavius In- 

 fluence of Christian example on Lelia Her Conversion. 



WHAT horrid scenes the crowded city shows, 

 When through its streets the plague-stream fiercely flows, 

 That, like the scorching lava, finds fresh power 

 In every victim that it may devour ! 

 That on and on, its ravage spreads around, 

 And strews with human wrecks the tainted ground ! 

 When love and charity are lost in fear, 

 And man may die, unwept by Pity's tear ! 

 When human sympathies are driven away, 

 When hope is lost, and man forgets to pray ! 

 When Death stalks triumphing in his path, 

 No barrier finds to check his awful wrath ! 



The " king of terrors" has the mighty power, 

 To trample in the dust the princely tower, 

 To crush the cottage roof, to smite the throne, 1 

 And prince and peasant make alike his own. 



The marble halls, where dwelt in Roman state 

 Patrician Flavius, shared the common fate : 

 Through the bronzed gate, the plague-stream freely flows, 

 Though all the saving arts their strength oppose. 

 Vows, prayers, and offerings to the gods were paid, 

 And wealth was lavished to procure their aid. 



