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42
ATLANTIS.
XIX.
Then first within the bud the slow worm crawled;
Then vipers first were found and reptiles foul;
Then first the linnet's downy brood, appalled,
Shrank from the murdering talons of the owl:
Then beasts, grown terrible, began to prowl
Within the wood; then children learned to wail,
Maidens to sigh and vengeful youths to scowl.
Woe, woe, Atlantis, thou who didst prevail!
Where shall thy refuge be, when angry gods assail?
Then first within the bud the slow worm crawled;
Then vipers first were found and reptiles foul;
Then first the linnet's downy brood, appalled,
Shrank from the murdering talons of the owl:
Then beasts, grown terrible, began to prowl
Within the wood; then children learned to wail,
Maidens to sigh and vengeful youths to scowl.
Woe, woe, Atlantis, thou who didst prevail!
Where shall thy refuge be, when angry gods assail?
