Ruined? Destroyed? Ah no; though blood in rivers ran
    Down all her ancient streets; though treasures manifold
    Love-wrought, time-mellowed, and beyond the price of gold
Are lost, yet Belgium's star shines still in God's vast plan.

Rarely have kings been great, since kingdoms first began;
    Rarely have great kings been great men, when all was told.
    But, by the lighted torch in maile'd hands, behold
Immortal Belgium's immortal king, and man.