What does this poem mean??????

Question

It's about the fall of Rome but what does it mean word for word????

HERE was old Rome that stretch'd her empire far,
In peace was fear'd, triumphant was in war:
Here 'twas, for now its place is only found,
All that was Rome lies buried under ground.

These ruins hid in weeds, on which man treads,
Were structures which to Heav'n rais'd their proud heads:
Rome that subdu'd the World, to Time now yields,
With rubbish swells the plains, and strews the fields.

Think not to see what so renown'd has been,
Nothing of Rome, in Rome is to be seen;
Vulcan and Mars, those wasting Gods, have come,
And ta'en Rome's greatness utterly from Rome.

They spoil'd with malice, ere they would depart,
Whate'er was rare of Nature or of Art:
Its greatest trophies they destroy'd and burn'd;
She that o'erturn'd the World, to dust is turn'd.

Well might she fall, 'gainst whom such foes conspire,
Old Time, revengeful Man, and Sword and Fire:
Now all we see of the great Empress Rome,
Are but the sacred reliques of her tomb.

Answer 1

This is pretty straightforward...no interpretation required. Start writing.

Answer 2

can you be more specific? it seesmto me that the gods that rome served, turned on them and brought about their downfall. what more is there to say.

Answer 3

IT'S A WARNING TO ALL MANKIND!
OF MAN'S OWN DESTRUCTION!
THE MIGHTY SWORD THAT IS USED TO GAIN
POWER!
WILL BE THE SAME SWORD USED TO TAKE
IT AWAY!

Answer 4

Yikes! Do your own homework! LOL