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Silenus

By Thomas Woolner

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Now, flashing thro' the stormy darkness, bursts
A glittering stream of spears, guided by him,
Swiftly in measured paces step for step,
The grim Edonean King, whose head unhelmed
In his wild haste discloses burning hate
At deadly heat blanching his countenance.

119

He faces Dionysus. When the King,
Holding his spears, that shivered in their haste
For sharp assault, made fell assail by fierce
Impoisoned words barbed with disdain, the God
Saw a great beast aroused too strong to slay,
And strove by promises of sweet account,
In brief recital of his purposes,
To win acceptance for the precious grape.