Page:The Vow of the Peacock.pdf/135

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Of a wide labyrinth, a monster dwelt, And every year was human tribute paid By the Athenians. They had bowed in war; And every spring the flowers of all the city, Young maids in their first beauty—stately youths, Were sacrificed to the fierce King! They died In the unfathomable den of want, Or served the Minotaur for food. At length There came a royal Youth, who vowed to slay The monster or to perish!—Look, Alvine, That statue is young Theseus. . Glorious! How like a god he stands, one haughty hand Raised in defiance! I have often looked Upon the marble, wondering it could give Such truth to life and majesty.