BOYS OF THE BIBLE. 149

A light trom the darkened orbs stole in quick flashes;
The crisp matted locks to long sable wreaths sprung;

The hot blood came purpling in fountain-like dashes;
And to the carved pillars his long fingers clung.

The brawny arm strengthed, its muscle displaying;
Like bars wrought of iron the tense sinews stood:
Each thick swollen vein on his swarthy limbs straying
Was knotted and black with the pressure of blood.

One jeer from the crowd,—one long loud peal of laughter;
The captive bowed low: and the huge column swayed:
The firm chaptrel quivered; stooped arch, beam and rafter:

And the temple of Dagon a ruin was laid.

Earth groaned ’neath the shock; and rose arching to heaven
Fierce, half-smothered cries as the gurgling life fled.

Day passed: and no sound broke the silence of even
But the jackal’s long howl, as he crouched over the dead.