Page:The poems of Emma Lazarus volume 1.djvu/93

Rh Nor her best virtue. Is the earth s mouth full? Is the grave satisfied? Discrown me then, For life is lord, and men may mock the gods With immortality.&quot; &quot; I sue no more, But I command thee spare this woman's life, Or wrestle with Alcides.&quot; &quot; Wrestle with thee, Thou puny boy!&quot; And Death laughed loud, and swelled To monstrous bulk, fierce-eyed, with outstretched wings, And lightnings round his brow; but grave and firm, Strong as a tower, Alcides waited him, And these began to wrestle, and a cloud Impenetrable fell, and all was dark.

&quot;Farewell, Admetus and my little son, Eumelus, O these clinging baby hands! Thy loss is bitter, for no chance, no fame, No wealth of love, can ever compensate For a dead mother. Thou, O king, fulfill The double duty: love him with my love, And make him bold to wrestle, shiver spears, Noble and manly, Grecian to the bone; And tell him that his mother spake with gods. Farewell, farewell! Mine eyes are growing blind: The darkness gathers. O my heart, my heart! &quot;