POEMS OLD AND NEW
Stout Lartius hurled down Aunus
Into the stream beneath ;
Herminius struck at Seius,
And clove him to the teeth :
At Picus brave Horatius
Darted one fiery thrust ;
And the proud Umbrian's gilded
arms
Clashed in the bloody dust.
But now no sound of laughter
Was heard among the foes, 10
A wild and "wrathful clamour
From all the vanguard rose.
Six spears* lengths from the entrance
Halted that deep array.
And for a space no man came forth
To win the narrow way.
But hark ! the cry is " Astur ! "
And lo ! the ranks divide ;
And the great Lord of Luna
Gomes with his stately stride. 20
Upon his ample shoulders
Clangs loud the fourfold shield.
And in his hand he shakes the brand
Which none but he can wield.
He smiled on those bold Romans
A smile serene and high ;
He eyed the flinching Tuscans,
And scorn was in his eye.
Quoth he, " The she-wolf's litter
Stands savagely at bay : 30
But will ye dare to follow,
If Astur clears the way ? "
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