Like two strong rafters, which the builder forms
Proof to the wintry winds and howling storms;
Their tops connected, but at wider space
Fix'd on the centre stands their solid base."
So in old days. Now wrestlers shift like snakes,
And dodge _à la_ DUBOIS, for mightier stakes
Than olive, parsley, or the champion's belt
Can furnish forth.
Long time hath it been felt
That two superior champions, age-long foes,
At last must come to a conclusive close.
"Defiled with honourable dust they roll,
Still breathing strife, and unsubdued of soul;
Again they rage, again to combat rise,"--
For one must win; these cannot _share_ the prize.
Great GLADSTONIDES--place allow to age!--
A chief of seasoned strength and generous rage,
Fell, at their last encounter, to the skill
Of him the swart of look, the stern of will,
Broad-shouldered SALISBURION. Such defeat
Valiant and vigorous veteran well might fret.
He erst invincible, the Full of Days,
The Grand Old One, full-fed with power and praise.
ACHILLES-NESTOR, to no younger foe,
Because of one chance slip and casual throw,
The Champion's Belt is ready to resign;
Nor may his foe the final fall decline.
So "Greek meets Greek" in wrestling rig once more.
Not AJAX or ULYSSES sly of yore,
Nor modern STEAD MAN, JAMESON, or WEIGHT,