Then, whirling up his broadsword And smote with all his might. The blow, though turned, came yet too nigh; To see the red blood flow. He reeled, and on Herminius He leaned one breathing space; The good sword stood a handbreadth out And the great Lord of Luna The giant arms lie spread; On Astur's throat Horatius Right firmly pressed his heel, And thrice and four times tugged amain, But at his haughty challenge A sullen murmur ran, Mingled of wrath, and shame, and dread, Along the glittering van. Nor men of lordly race; For all Etruria's noblest Were round the fatal place. But all Etruria's noblest Felt their hearts sink to see Where those bold Romans stood, Come to the mouth of the dark lair But those behind cried, "Forward!" Yet IV one man for one moment Stood out before the crowd; Well known was he to all the Three, And they gave him greeting loud. Thrice looked he at the city; Thrice looked he at the dead; And thrice came on in fury, And thrice turned back in dread: And, white with fear and hatred, Where, wallowing in a pool of blood, But meanwhile ax and lever And now the bridge hangs tottering "Come back, come back, Horatius!" Back darted Spurius Lartius; And, as they passed, beneath their feet They felt the timbers crack. But when they turned their faces, And on the farther shore Saw brave Horatius stand alone, They would have crossed once more. But with a crash like thunder Fell every loosened beam, And, like a dam, the mighty wreck CATH. FIFTH READER- 10 |