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16. THE FALL OF BABYLON. (notes)

Her shorn, and cowl'd, and mitred merchants weep,

Since perishes with her their gainful trade

Of long indulgencies, for silver weigh'd,

Pledg'd from sad purgatory souls to keep—

Of holy water, oil, and relics cheap,

As blood, tears, rags, and bones in grave-yard laid,

Of crosses, roods, and forms for Mary made,

Of beads and bulls, and various wares a heap;

Of idols, masses, pray'rs, and souls of men,

By sale of which they liv'd in indolence,

And laugh'd while their poor cred'lous dupes did groan.

Seeing her smoke afar, they cry again—

"Alas for all her lost magnificence!

Fall'n is that proud, great city, Babylon!"