Why were they proud?

Why were they proud? Because their marble founts
Gush'd with more pride than do a wretch's tears?
Why were they proud? Because fair orange-mounts
Were of more soft ascent than lazar stairs!
Why were the proud? Because red-lined accounts
Were richer than the songs of Grecian years?
Why were the proud? again we ask aloud,
Why in the name of Glory were they proud?

J. Keats, Isabella or the pot of basil