XXII. And plainly and more plainly, XXIII. And plainly and more plainly There Cilnius of Arretium On his fleet roan was seen; And Astur of the fourfold shield, Girt with the brand none else may wield, And dark Verbenna from the hold XXIV. Fast by the royal standard, Lars Porsena of Clusium Sat in his ivory car. By the right wheel rode Mamilius, And by the left false Sextus, That wrought the deed of shame. XXV. But when the face of Sextus On the house tops was no woman XXVI. But the Consul's brow was sad, Before the bridge goes down; And if they once may win the bridge, What hope to save the town?" XXVII. Then outspake brave Horatius, XXVIII. "And for the tender mother Who feed the eternal flame, To save them from false Sextus That wrought the deed of shame? XXIX. "Hew down the bridge, Sir Consul, In yon strait path a thousand May well be stopped by three. Now who will stand on either hand, And keep the bridge with me?" XXX. Then outspake Spurius Lartius; And outspake strong Herminius; "I will abide on thy left side, XXXI. "Horatius," quoth the Consul, "As thou sayest, so let it be." XXXII. Then none was for a party; Then all were for the state; Then the great man helped the poor, XXXIII. Now Roman is to Roman More hateful than a foe, And the Tribunes beard the high, And the Fathers grind the low. As we wax hot in faction, In battle we wax cold: Wherefore men fight not as they fought In the brave days of old. XXXIV. Now while the Three were tightening The Consul was the foremost man And Fathers mixed with Commons |