We, who were misers of old, have now gone astray. Oh, why does annihilation appeal to us!

This couplet speaks about people who were once very careful with their resources, almost like old-fashioned misers. But then, they got incredibly angry, perhaps losing their temper completely. In that moment of fury, they question themselves, wondering why they suddenly find destruction or ruin appealing. It's like saying, "We were so stingy, but now we're so mad, why does everything falling apart feel good?" It highlights how intense anger can make even the most cautious people embrace chaos.