Classic Poem

A description of Ierusalem and the Riches thereof .

Like to a Mourner clad in dolefull black,
That sadly sits to heare a heauie tale :
So must my pen proceed to shew the wrack,
That did with terror Syon hill assaile.
What time Ierusalem that Cittie faire,
Was sieg'd and sackt by great Vespatians heire.

A noble Iew Iosephus writes the storie.
Of all the stories euer yet recited,
Neuer could any make the mind more sorie,
Than that which he so dolefully indighted :
Which sets in sight how for abhomination.
That goodly Citty came to desolation.

In all the world the like might not be seene.
To this faire Citty famous to behold,
A thousand Towers stood there the streetes between,
Whose carued stones great cunning did vnfold :
The buildings all, so stately fine and rare,
That with Ierusalem no place might compare.

In mid'st whereof the glorious Temple stood,
Which Nehemia had so faire erected,
Whose Timber worke was all of precious wood,
By Gods appointment wounderously effected :
Where all the People came with one accord,
And offered sacrifice, vnto the Lord.

Three stately walles begirt this Citty round,
Strongly raild vp of gallant squared stone,
Vnpossible in fight foes should them confound,
By warlike Engines seized therevpon.
The spacious gates most glorious to behold,
Were all gilt ouer, with rich burnisht gould.

And round about Ierusalem likewise,
Were pleasant walkes prepard for recreation,
Sweet daintie gardens feeding gazers eyes,
With workes of wonder and high admiration,
Where in the midst of sweetest smelling flowers,
They built for pleasure, many pleasant bowers.

In treasures store this Citty did excell,
For pompe and pride it was the onely place,
In her alone did richest Marchants dwell,
And famous Princes sprung of Royall race :
And fairer Dames did nature neuer frame,
Then in that Citty dwelt and thither came.