Page:Orion, an epic poem - Horne (1843, 3rd edition).djvu/83

A light flashed down one side, and at the top
Stood Merope, who cried, 'Orion, see!
My prison I have fired, and in my haste
Fired first below. I cannot pass the flames!'
E'en while she spake a hydra-wreath of smoke
Ran coiling up the stony stair, and peered
Into each chamber with its widening head,
As if to seek its prey. Again she cried—
'I will leap down into thine arms!' 'Forbear!'
Shouted Orion, 'First let us try our strength
With skill.' I on the groaning gate-posts smote,
Until their bolts and nails started like tusks
From battered jaws, and inward sunk the gates,
Crushing armed men behind. O'er all we passed.
Orion, now in front, amidst a cloud
Of smoke, dust, slaughter and confusing cries,
The blackened slabs of winding stair ascended;
And in the same fierce uproar and dismay
Of men, not fit to cope with sons of Gods,
Unscathed came down with Merope. 'T was good.
He bore her to the cedar grove afar,
Where in brief space a palace he had built,
While we, remaining midway, called a rout
Around us, and great revel held that night."