LXIX
Reading edition
Like a tall forest were their spears, Their banners like a silken sea, When the great host in splendour passed Across the crimson sinking sun.
And then the bray of brazen horns 5 Arose above their clanking march, As the long waving column filed Into the odorous purple dusk.
O lover, in this radiant world Whence is the race of mortal men, 10 So frail, so mighty, and so fond, That fleets into the vast unknown?