310 The fortress of Nequinum lowers 38 Stout Lartius hurled down Aunus Into the stream beneath: And clove him to the teeth: 215 At Picus brave Horatius Darted one fiery thrust; And the proud Umbrian's gilded arms 39 Then Ocnus of Falerii 320 Rushed on the Roman Three; The rover of the sea; Who slew the great wild boar, 230 And wasted fields, and slaughtered men, 40 Herminius smote down Aruns: Lartius laid Ocnus low: Right to the heart of Lausulus Horatius sent a blow. "Lie there," he cried, "fell pirate! No more, aghast and pale, 309. Nequinum, afterward Narnia and now Narni, on the banks of the Nar. 322. The Etruscans were pirates as well as merchants. 335 From Ostia's walls the crowd shall mark 41 340 But now no sound of laughter 345 And for a space no man came forth 42 But hark! the cry is Astur: 350 And the great Lord of Luna 255 Clangs loud the fourfold shield, Which none but he can wield. 43 He smiled on those bold Romans 360 Quoth he, "The she-wolf's litter Stand savagely at bay: 360. The she-wolf's litter. The reference is to the story of the suckling of Romulus and Remus by a she-wolf. But will ye dare to follow, 44 Then, whirling up his broadsword 365 With both hands to the height, He rushed against Horatius, And smote with all his might. With shield and blade Horatius Right deftly turned the blow. 370 The blow, though turned, came yet too nigh; It missed his helm, but gashed his thigh: The Tuscans raised a joyful cry $75 To see the red blood flow. 45 He reeled, and on Herminius He leaned one breathing-space; Then, like a wild-cat mad with wounds, Through teeth, and skull, and helmet, 30 The good sword stood a handbreadth out 385 46 And the great Lord of Luna The giant arms lie spread; 47 390 On Astur's throat Horatius 395 Right firmly pressed his heel, And thrice and four times tugged amain, "And see," he cried, "the welcome, Fair guests, that waits you here! What noble Lucumo comes next To taste our Roman cheer?" 48 But at his haughty challenge A sullen murmur ran, 400 Mingled of wrath and shame and dread, Along that glittering van. There lacked not men of prowess, 405 Nor men of lordly race; For all Etruria's noblest Were round the fatal place. 49 But all Etruria's noblest Felt their hearts sink to see Where those bold Romans stood, 430 50 Was none who would be foremost Wavers the deep array; 430 51 Yet one man for one moment Stood out before the crowd; Well known was he to all the Three, 52 435 Thrice looked he at the city; Thrice looked he at the dead; And thrice came on in fury, 440 And thrice turned back in dread; Where, wallowing in a pool of blood, |