The Dawn and the Day - Or, The Buddha and the Christ, Part I by Henry Thayer Niles
page 40 of 172 (23%)
page 40 of 172 (23%)
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Of mighty organs or the thunder's roll.
Two arrows pierce the eagle, while the rest All pierce the screen. A second mark was set, When lo! high up in air two lines of swans, Having one leader, seek their northern nests, Their white plumes shining in the noonday sun, Calling each other in soft mellow notes. Instant one of the people cries "A mark!" Whereat the thousands shout "A mark! a mark!" One of the archers chose the leader, one the last. Their arrows fly. The last swan left its mates As if sore wounded, while the first came down Like a great eagle swooping for its prey, And fell before the prince, its strong wing pierced, Its bright plumes darkened by its crimson blood. Whereat the people shout, and shout again, Until the hills repeat the mighty sound. The prince gently but sadly raised the bird, Stroked tenderly its plumes, calmed its wild fear, And gave to one to care for and to cure. And now the people for the chariot-race Grow eager, while beneath the royal stand, By folding doors hid from the public view, The steeds, harnessed and ready, champ their bits And paw the ground, impatient for the start. The charioteers alert, with one strong hand Hold high the reins, the other holds the lash. Timour--a name that since has filled the world, A Tartar chief, whose sons long after swept |
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