PODAS OKUS 



I have sought for one thing, which is 



Fairer unto me than these. 

 Often, too, IVe heard the story, 



In my boyhood, of the doom 

 Which the fates assign'd me — Glory, 



Coupled with an early tomb. 



Swift assault and sudden sally 



Underneath the Trojan wall ; 

 Charge, and countercharge, and rally. 



War-cry loud, and trumpet call ; 

 Doubtful strain of desp'rate battle, 



Cut and thrust and grapple fierce, 

 Swords that ring on shields that rattle. 



Blades that gash and darts that pierce ;- 



I have done with these for ever ; 



By the loud resounding sea, 

 Where the reedy jav'Iins quiver, 



There is now no place for me. 

 Day by day our ranks diminish, 



We are falling day by day ; 

 But our sons the strife will finish, 



Where man tarries, man must slay. 



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