Four hundred trumpets sounded As that great host, with measured tread, XXXVI. The three stood calm and silent, And forth three chiefs came spurring To earth they sprang, their swords they drew, XXXVII. Aunus, from green Tifernum, Sicken in Ilva's mines; And Picus, long to Clusium Vassal in peace and war, Who led to fight his Umbrian powers O'er the pale waves of Nar. XXXVIII. Stout Lartius hurled down Aunus Into the stream beneath. Herminius struck at Seius, And clove him to the teeth; At Picus brave Horatius Darted one fiery thrust, And the proud Umbrian's gilded arms Clashed in the bloody dust. XXXIX. Then Ocnus of Falerii Rushed on the Roman three; And Lausulus of Urgo, The rover of the sea; And Aruns of Volsinium, Who slew the great wild boar The great wild boar that had his den Amidst the reeds of Cosa's fen, And wasted fields, and slaughtered men, Along Albinia's shore. XL. Herminius smote down Aruns; "Lie there," he cried, "fell pirate! From Ostia's walls the crowd shall mark XLI. But now no sound of laughter From all the vanguard rose. And for a space no man came forth XLII. But, hark! the cry is Astur: Comes with his stately stride. Upon his ample shoulders Clangs loud the fourfold shield, And in his hand he shakes the brand Which none but he can wield. XLIII. He smiled on those bold Romans, But will ye dare to follow, XLIV. Then, whirling up his broadsword And smote with all his might. Right deftly turned the blow. The blow, though turned, came yet too nigh, It missed his helm, but gashed his thighThe Tuscans raised a joyful cry To see the red blood flow. XLV. He reeled, and on Herminius He leaned one breathing space The good sword stood a hand-breadth out XLVI. And the great lord of Luna Far o er the crashing forest XLVII. On Astur's throat Horatius Right firmly pressed his heel, And thrice and four times tugged amain, Ere he wrenched out the steel. "And see," he cried, "the welcome, Fair guests, that waits you here! What noble Lucumo comes next To taste our Roman cheer?" XLVIII. But at his haughty challenge Mingled with wrath, and shame, and dread, There lacked not men of prowess, Nor men of lordly race; For all Etruria's noblest Were round the fatal place. XLIX. But all Etruria's noblest Felt their hearts sink to see Where those bold Romans stood, L. Was none who would be foremost But those behind cried "Forward!' |