Sonnet CVI
SONNET CVI.
L' avara Babilonia ha colmo 'l sacco.
HE PREDICTS TO ROME THE ARRIVAL OF SOME GREAT PERSONAGE WHO WILL BRING HER BACK TO HER OLD VIRTUE.
Covetous Babylon of wrath divineBy its worst crimes has drain'd the full cup now,And for its future Gods to whom to bowNot Pow'r nor Wisdom ta'en, but Love and Wine.Though hoping reason, I consume and pine,Yet shall her crown deck some new Soldan's brow,Who shall again build up, and we avowOne faith in God, in Rome one head and shrine.Her idols shall be shatter'd, in the dustHer proud towers, enemies of Heaven, be hurl'd,Her wardens into flames and exile thrust,Fair souls and friends of virtue shall the worldPossess in peace; and we shall see it madeAll gold, and fully its old works display'd.