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 198 MACAULAY

And heavy with his armour,

And spent with changing blows:

And oft they thought him sinking, But still again he rose.

Never, I ween, did swimmer,

In such an evil case, Struggle through such a raging flood

Safe to the landing-place : But his limbs were borne up bravely

By the brave heart within, And our good father Tiber

Bare bravely up his chin.

'Curse on him! ' quoth false Sextus;

'Will not the villain drown? But for this stay ere close of day

We should have sacked the town ! ' 'Heaven help him! ' quoth Lars Porsena,

'And bring him safe to shore; For such a gallant feat of arms

Was never seen before.'

And now he feels the bottom;

Now on dry earth he stands; Now round him throng the Fathers

To press his gory hands; And now with shouts and clapping,

And noise of weeping loud, He enters through the River-Gate,

Borne by the joyous crowd.

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