 | Areytos or songs and ballads of the South |  |
III.
Methinks, when sworn to an eternal hate,Against a reckless tyranny, the soul
Of Hannibal was robed in regal state,
And held upon his race divine control.
The Boy before the altar, with his Sire,
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Grew thenceforth into manhood, from desire
Of work in a great office; as the Priest,
Or Prophet, dedicate to Heavenly ire,
Grows lifted, while his lips, with tongue of fire,
Bid the doomed city to her fatal feast!
Thence evermore a dread Necessity
Walks by his side. Thence evermore his ears
Drink in the voices of the Awful Three,
And yet a single sound is all he hears.
Thus is it with the Dedicate! They march,
Following one blazing star, that shows the way
Over the gloomy crags, till the black arch
Grows azure, and the night melts into day!
| Areytos or songs and ballads of the South | |