And my hand hath found as a nest the riches of the people
A proud boast of utter subjugation
The Assyrian conqueror has gathered all the earth as one gathers the eggs from which he has first driven off the terrified hen bird.
But she would hover round her rifled nest and its plunderer with a trepidating flight and piercing cry, than which no movements and sounds in the brute creation express more anguish; while these spoiled nations dare not show even such instinctive signs of a broken heart, but know a depth beyond that depth--“there was none that moved the wing, or opened the mouth, or chirped.” (Sir E. Strachey, Bart.)
Easy conquest
“I have taken by my might the riches of the people, with as great ease as a countryman takes young birds out of a nest; yea, as one taketh and gathereth eggs which the bird hath forsaken”--which is easier than to take birds. (W. Day, M. A.)
Unholy brag
Strange that ever men, who were made to do good, should take a pride and take a pleasure in doing wrong or doing mischief to all about them without control, and should reckon that their glory which is their shame. (M. Henry.)
