When these countries enjoyed what constitutes the glory and happiness of man, they were inhabited by infidel nations: It was the Phoenician, offering human sacrifices to Moloch, who gathered into his stores the riches of all climates; it was the Chaldean, prostrate before his serpent-god,* who subjugated opulent cities, laid waste the palaces of kings, and despoiled the temples of the gods; it was the Persian, worshipper of fire, who received the tribute of a hundred nations; they were the inhabitants of this very city, adorers of the sun and stars, who erected so many monuments of prosperity and luxury.

Numerous herds, fertile fields, abundant harvests--whatsoever should be the reward of piety--was in the hands of these idolaters.

And now, when a people of saints and believers occupy these fields, all is become sterility and solitude.
The earth, under these holy hands, produces only thorns and briers.

Man soweth in anguish, and reapeth tears and cares.

War, famine, pestilence, assail him by turns.