Dramatic Romances by Robert Browning
page 27 of 200 (13%)
page 27 of 200 (13%)
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Ran my fires for his sake;
Over-head, did my thunder combine With my underground mine: Till I looked from my labour content To enjoy the event. 60 VII When sudden . . . how think ye, the end? Did I say "without friend"? Say rather, from marge to blue marge The whole sky grew his targe With the sun's self for visible boss, While an Arm ran across Which the earth heaved beneath like a breast Where the wretch was safe prest! Do you see? Just my vengeance complete, The man sprang to his feet, 70 Stood erect, caught at God's skirts, and prayed! --So, _I_ was afraid! NOTES: "Instans Tyrannus" is a despot's confession of one of his own experiences which showed him the inviolability of the weakest man who is in the right and who can call the spiritual force of good to his aid against the utmost violence or cunning.--"Instans Tyrannus," or the threatening tyrant, suggested by Horace, third Ode in Book III: "Justum et tenacem proposti vlrum, |
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