The ruin and desolation of Rome shall be commensurate with her former glory, riches and power. The proud city that sits a queen" with neither Tear nor anxiety, shall be humbled in the dust.
9, 10. The kings of earth who have shared her guilt shall lament, the fate of the city, but they stand afar off fearing to come to her assistance. Such is usually the friendship between nations!
11-16. The merchants of the earth "who were made rich, shall stand afar off from her for fear of her torments, weeping and mourning, and saying: Alas! alas! that great city, which was clothed with fine linen, and purple, and scarlet, and was gilt with gold and precious stones, and pearls. For in one hour are so great riches come to nought.
17-19. In like manner do they who have prospered in the sea commerce with Rome bewail the loss of their markets: "Alas! alas! that great city wherein all were made rich that had ships at sea by reason of her prices; for in one hour she is made desolate.
20. The Apostles and prophets and all saints are called upon to rejoice at this manifestation of God's justice. The prayers of the martyrs [1] are answered and their blood requited. The mention of Apostles may refer especially to Sts. Peter and Paul who suffered martyrdom at Rome under Nero.
- ↑ Ch. vi, 10.
