A Lay Sung at the Feast (13)

    But in the centre thickest Were ranged the shields of foes¹, And from the centre loudest The cry of batle rose. There Tibur marched and Pedum Beneath proud Tarquin's rule, And Ferentinum of the rock, And Gabii of the pool. There rode the Volscian succors²： There, in the dark stern ring, The Roman exiles gathered close Around the ancient king. Though white as Mount Soracte, When winter nights are long, His beard flowed down o'er mail and belt, His heart and hand were strong： Under his hoary³ eyebrows⁴ Still flashed forth⁵ quenchless⁶ rage： And, if the lance shook in his gripe, 'Twas more with hate than age. Close at his side was Titus On an Apulian steed, Titus, the youngest Tarquin, Too good for such a breed.