The angel's powerful taunt song is the first poetic response. Ancient taunt songs mocked a defeated enemy (see Isaiah 13:19–22; 34:10–17). These taunts describe the fall of Babylon (or Rome; see study note on Revelation 14:8) as a traumatic event for dependent kingdoms and especially for those who had benefited from her wealth. The Goths and Visigoths attacked Rome in the AD 400s, ending the prosperous empire.