Enough for seizure, near enough to die,

The desperate trio held aloof their fate

But by a thread, like sharks who have gorged the bait;320

Yet to the very last they battled well,

And not a groan informed their foes who fell.

Christian died last—twice wounded; and once more

Mercy was offered when they saw his gore;

Too late for life, but not too late to die,[ft]

With, though a hostile hand, to close his eye.

A limb was broken, and he drooped along