8. But when the face of Sextus 9. But the Consul's brow was sad, And the Consul's speech was low, And darkly looked he at the wall, And darkly at the foe. "Their van will be upon us Before the bridge goes down; 10. Then out spake brave Horatius, “To every man upon this earth And the temples of his gods? 11. "Hew down the bridge, Sir Consul, With all the speed ye may ; I, with two more to help me, May well be stopped by three. 12. Then out spake Spurius Lartius; A Ramnian proud was he : "Lo, I will stand at thy right hand, And keep the bridge with thee." "I will abide on thy left side, 13. "Horatius," quoth the Consul, 14. The Three stood calm and silent And looked upon the foes, And a great shout of laughter From all the vanguard rose: And forth three chiefs came spurring Before that deep array; To earth they sprang, their swords they drew, To win the narrow way. Right to the heart of Lausulus Horatius sent a blow. "Lie there," he cried, " fell pirate! From Ostia's walls the crowd shall mark BUT OUT now no sound of laughter A wild and wrathful clamor From all the vanguard rose. And for a space no man came forth 2. Yet one man for a moment Strode out before the crowd; Well known was he to all the Three, 3. But meanwhile ax and lever Have manfully been plied, And now the bridge hangs tottering "Come back, come back, Horatius !" ་་ Loud cried the Fathers all. Back, Lartius! back, Herminius! 4. Back darted Spurius Lartius; Herminius darted back: And, as they passed, beneath their feet And on the farther shore Saw brave Horatius stand alone, They would have crossed once more. 5. But with a crash like thunder Fell every loosened beam, And, like a dam, the mighty wreck 6. Alone stood brave Horatius, With a smile on his pale face. 7. Round turned he, as not deigning But he saw on Palatinus The white porch of his home; And he spake to the noble river |