prized,
Thou sacerdotal gain, but general loss!
Who from true Worship's gold can separate thy dross?

XLV.

Ambracia's gulf behold, where once was lost
A world for Woman, lovely, harmless thing![ey][146]
In yonder rippling bay, their naval host
Did many a Roman chief and Asian King[15.B.]
To doubtful conflict, certain slaughter bring:
Look where the second Caesar's trophies rose![147][16.B.]
Now, like the hands that reared them, withering:
Imperial Anarchs, doubling human woes![ez]
GOD! was thy globe ordained for such to win and lose?

XLVI.

From the dark barriers of that rugged clime,
Ev'n to the centre of Illyria's vales,
Childe Harold passed o'er many a mount sublime,
Through lands scarce noticed in historic tales:
Yet in famed Attica such lovely dales
Are rarely seen; nor can fair Tempe boast
A charm they know not; loved Parnassus fails,
Though classic ground and consecrated most,
To match some spots that lurk within this lowering coast.

XLVII.

He passed bleak Pindus, Acherusia's lake,[17.B.]
And left the primal city of the land,
And onwards did his further journey take[148]
To greet Albania's Chief, whose dread command[18.B.]
Is lawless law; for with a bloody hand
He sways a nation,--turbulent and bold:
Yet here and there some daring mountain-band
Disdain his power, and from their rocky hold
Hurl their defiance far, nor yield, unless to gold.[19.B.]

XLVIII.

Monastic Zitza![149] from thy shady brow,[20.B.]
Thou small, but favoured spot of holy ground!
Where'er we gaze--around--above--below,--
What rainbow tints, what magic charms are found!
Rock, river, forest, mountain, all abound,
And bluest skies that harmonise the whole:
Beneath, the distant Torrent's rushing sound
Tells where the volumed Cataract doth roll
Between those hanging rocks, that shock yet please the soul.

XLIX.

Amidst the grove that crowns yon tufted hill,
Which, were it not for many a mountain nigh
Rising in lofty ranks, and loftier still,
Might well itself be deemed of dignity,
The Convent's white walls glisten fair on high:
Here dwells t