Page:Modern Russian Poetry.djvu/89

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Evil dragon in the zenith fiercely glowing, Filaments of flame across the heavens throwing, Singeing all the valley with a heat that scorches,— From the deep, dark quiver I will pluck an arrow Tipped with subtle poison that shall find thy marrow: All too early flourish thy triumphal torches. I shall draw my bow in valiant retribution, I, executor of ruthless execution, And thy groaning answer my glad ears shall cherish As I speed the sudden doom long overhanging, And the arrow whizzes with a brazen twanging. Thou shalt fade, thou evil dragon, thou shalt perish.