I never thought a man could feel in such a murderous mood.
I parried not, nor guarded thrusts; I felt not pain nor wound,
But madly spurred the frantic horse, and swept my sword around.[497]
I tried to reach the standard sheet; but there at last was foiled.
The gallant horse was jaded now, and from the steel recoiled.
They saw his fright, and pressed him then; his terror made him rear,
And falling back he crushed[498] their ranks and broke their guarded square!
My comrades[499] saw the gap he made, and soon came dashing in:
They raised me up, I felt no hurt, but mingled in the din.
I’d seen some savage work before, but never was engaged