He much inquired, and many a message sent
To warn him from the field—alas! in vain!
Behold, his mournful followers bear him slain!
O'er his broad shield still gushed the yawning wound,
And drew a bloody trail along the ground.
Far off he heard their cries, far off divined
The dire event with a foreboding mind.
}
{ With dust he sprinkled first his hoary head;
{ Then both his lifted hands to heaven he spread;