First Titus gave tall Cæso And through all turns of weal and wo And Titus groaned with rage and grief, And at Valerius made. Valerius struck at Titus, And lopped off half his crest; But Titus stabbed Valerius Ah! wo is me for the good house 18. But fiercer grew the fighting For Titus dragged him by the foot, "Romans, stand firm !" quoth Aulus, "And win this fight or die! Then tenfold round the body And snorting purple foam: Right well did such a couch befit A Consular of Rome. 20. But north looked the Dictator; And spake to Caius Cossus, Thou hast the keenest sight; Say, what through yonder storm of dust Comes from the Latian right?" 21. Then answered Caius Cossus : The banner of proud Tusculum I see the plumed horsemen ; That shines far off like flame; So ever rides Mamilius, Prince of the Latian name." 22. "Now, hearken, Caius Cossus; 23. So Aulus spake, and turned him And rode for death and life. Where fought the Roman host Against the banners of the marsh And banners of the coast. Like corn before the sickle Beneath the edge of the true sword "Herminius! Aulus greets thee; He bids thee come with speed To help our central battle, For sore is there our need: There wars the youngest Tarquin, Prince of the Latian name. 25. Herminius beat his bosom, But never a word he spake: He clapped his hands on Auster's mane; He gave the reins a shake. Away, away went Auster Like an arrow from the bow; Black Auster was the fleetest steed From Aufidus to Po. Herminius smote Mamilius Through breastplate and through breast, And fast flowed out the purple blood Over the purple vest. Mamilius smote Herminius Through headpiece and through head, And side by side those chiefs of pride Together fell down dead. Down fell they dead together In a great lake of gore; And still stood all who saw them fall 29. Fast, fast with heels wild spurning, He burst through ranks of fighting men, His flanks all blood and foam, The wolves they howled and whined; But he ran like a whirlwind up the pass, And he left the wolves behind. Through many startled hamlet Thundered his flying feet: He rushed through the gate of Tusculum, And paused not from his race Till he stood before his master's door And women rent their tresses For their great prince's fall: And old men girt on their old swords, |