365 But will ye dare to follow, 44 Then, whirling up his broadsword And smote with all his might. 370 The blow, though turned, came yet too nigh; It missed his helm, but gashed his thigh: The Tuscans raised a joyful cry To see the red blood flow. 45 He reeled, and on Herminius 375 He leaned one breathing-space; Then, like a wild-cat mad with wounds, Through teeth, and skull, and helmet, 380 The good sword stood a handbreadth out 385 46 And the great Lord of Luna The giant arms lie spread; 53 But meanwhile axe and lever Have manfully been plied; 445 And now the bridge hangs tottering Above the boiling tide. 450 "Come back, come back, Horatius!" Loud cried the Fathers all. 66 Back, Lartius! back, Herminius! 54 Back darted Spurius Lartius; And, as they passed, beneath their feet 460 Saw brave Horatius stand alone, 55 But with a crash like thunder Fell every loosened beam, And, like a dam, the mighty wreck 465 As to the highest turret-tops 56 And, like a horse unbroken When first he feels the rein, 470 The furious river struggled hard, And tossed his tawny mane, And whirling down, in fierce career, 57 Alone stood brave Horatius, 485 58 Round turned he, as not deigning To Sextus naught spake he; The white porch of his home; 490 And he spake to the noble river 59 "O Tiber! father Tiber! To whom the Romans pray, A Roman's life, a Roman's arms, 488. Mons Palatinus survives in the Palatine Hill of modern Rome. 495 Take thou in charge this day!" Plunged headlong in the tide. 60 500 No sound of joy or sorrow Was heard from either bank; 505 And when above the surges All Rome sent forth a rapturous cry, 61 510 But fiercely ran the current, 515 Swollen high by months of rain: And heavy with his armor, And spent with changing blows: 62 Never, I ween, did swimmer, In such an evil case, 520 Struggle through such a raging flood Safe to the landing-place: But his limbs were borne up bravely "Curse on him!" quoth false Sextus; But for this stay, ere close of day We should have sacked the town!" 64 535 And now he feels the bottom; And now, with shouts and clapping, 540 He enters through the River-Gate, 65 They gave him of the corn-land, 525. Macaulay notes as passages in English literature which he had in mind when he wrote this : |