XXI

 
She whom both Pyrrhus and Libyan Mars
Found no way to tame, this proud city,
That with a courage forged in adversity,
Sustained the shock of endless wars,

Though her ship, plagued at the source
By great waves, felt the world’s enmity,
None ever saw the reefs of adversity
Wreak havoc on her fortunate course:

But, the object of her virtue failing,
Her power opposed its own flailing,
Like the voyager whom a cruel gale

Has long since separated from the shore,
Driven now by the storm’s wild roar,
And shipwrecked there, when all efforts fail.