Helen of Troy by Andrew Lang
page 83 of 130 (63%)
page 83 of 130 (63%)
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As in that art, of Love memorial,
Which moulders on the holy Carian wall. Ay, still we see, still love, still pity there The warrior-maids, so brave, so god-like tall, In Time's despite imperishably fair. XXXV. But, as a dove that braves a falcon, stood Penthesilea, wrath outcasting fear, Or as a hind, that in the darkling wood Withstands a lion for her younglings dear; So stood the girl before Achilles' spear; In vain, for singing from his hand it sped, And crash'd through shield and breastplate till the sheer Cold bronze drank blood, and down the queen fell dead. XXXVI. Then from her locks the helm Achilles tore And boasted o'er the slain; but lo, the face Of her thus lying in the dust and gore Seem'd lovelier than is the maiden grace Of Artemis, when weary from the chase, She sleepeth in a haunted dell unknown. And all the Argives marvell'd for a space, But most Achilles made a heavy moan: XXXVII. |
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