"  Through  all  the  plains  below  the  Gadite  men
Were  resting  from  their  labor:  some  surveyed
The  spacious  site  ere  yet  obstructed;  walls
Already,  soon  will  roofs  have  interposed;
Some  ate  their  frugal  viands  on  the  steps
Contented;  some,  remembering  home,  prefer
The  cot's  bare  rafters  o'er  the  gilded  dome,
And  sing  (for  often  sighs  too  end  in  song),
1  In  smiling  meads  how  sweet  the  brook's  repose
To  the  rough  ocean  and  red  restless  sands ! '
But  others  trip  along  with  hasty  step
Whistling,  and  fix  too  soon  on  their  abodes;
Haply  and  one  among  them  with  his  spear
Measures  the  lintel,  if  so  great  its  height
As  will  receive  him  with  his  helm  unlowered."

The  embassy  from  Charoba  to  Gebir,  with  its  message  and  gifts  of
peace,  next  comes  upon  the  scene.
"  Meantime,  with  pomp  august  and  solemn,  borne
On  four  white  camels  tinkling  plates  of  gold,
Heralds  before  and  Ethiop  slaves  behind  .  ..
The  four  ambassadors  of  peace  proceed.
Rich  carpets  bear  they,  corn  and  generous  wine,
The  Syrian  olive's  cheerful  gift  they  bear,
With  stubborn  goats  that  eye  the  mountain-top
Askance,  and  riot  with  reluctant  horn.  .  ..
