Like icicles they glittered in the beam

Still struggling up from the horizon’s rim.

His sleeping anger kindled at the sight,

Our leader’s eyes glowed like a flaming brand.

Thrilled by one impulse, all our sable band

Dove through the gathering shadows of the night

On wings outshaken for a headlong flight.

Anger, revenge, but more than all the thirst,

The glorious emulation to be first,

Stung me like fire, and filled each quivering plume.