Page:Annus Mirabilis - Dryden (1688).djvu/75

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The Year of Wonders.
55
215.
Such was the Rise of this prodigious fire,
Which in mean Buildings first obscurely bred,
From thence did soon to open Streets aspire,
And streight to Palaces and Temples spread.

216.
The diligence of Trades and noiseful Gain,
And Luxury, more late, asleep were laid:
All was the nights, and in her silent reign,
No sound the rest of Nature did invade.

217.
In this deep quiet, from what source unknown,
Those seeds of Fire their fatal Birth disclose:
And first, few scatt'ring Sparks about were blown,
Big with the flames that to our Ruin rose.

218.
Then, in some close-pent Room it crept along,
And, smouldring as it went, in silence fed:
Till th' infant Monster, with devouring strong,
Walk'd boldly upright with exalted head.

219. Now,