My king is false! my hope betrayed! my father—O, the worth,
The glory, and the loveliness are passed away from earth!”
9. Then from the ground he sprang once more, and seized the monarchs rein,
Amidst the pale and wildered looks of all the courtier train;
And with a fierce, o’ermastering grasp, the rearing war-horse led,
And sternly set them face to face—the king before the dead!
10. “Came I not forth, upon thy pledge, my father’s hand to kiss?
Be still, and gaze thou on, false king! and tell me, what is this?
The voice, the glance, the heart I sought—give answer, where are they?
If thou wouldst clear thy perjured[615] soul, send life through this cold clay!