Though they are dead,Those ancient ones,Each bestial headDust under tonsOf dust, new beastsHave come, their heirs,Claiming their feastsAs the old did theirs.Clawless they claw,Angles they rend;And the stony mawCrams on without end.Still are arrayed(But with brighter eyes)Stripling and maidFor the sacrifice.We cannot spareThis toll we payOf the slender, the fair,The bright and the gay!Gold and black crown,Body slim and taut,How they go down'Neath the juggernaut!Youth of the world,Like scythèd wheat,How they are hurled
5
