Charles Strong - Time's Defeat lyrics

Time, I rejoice, amid the ruin wide That peoples thy dark empire, to behold Shores against which thy waves in vain have rolled, Where man's proud works still frown above thy tide. The deep-based pyramids still turn aside Thy wasteful currents, vigorously old Lucania's temples their array unfold, Pillar and portico, in simple pride. Nor less my joy, when, sheltered from thy storms In earth's fond breast, hid treasure bursts the sod, Elaborate stone in sculpture's matchless forms. Oft did I mock thee, spoiler, as I trod The glowing courts where still the goddess warms, And stern in beauty stands the quivered god.