When Despot Shakes His Sordid Fist

When Despot shakes his Sordid Fist
Not all the World doth tremble:
Some indicate where to be kissed
And say "Thou dost dissemble."

He ordereth Legions to increase;
They dwindle, not grow more.
He ordereth the Waves to cease
And still they lap the Shore.

A Tyrant wields his Rod in vain;
In vain his vast Empire:
'Twill fall, like cities of the Plain,
And Nineveh, and Tyre.

- Sapientia Stillingfleet