Dying." He raised himself, he sat, his look
Grew greedy for the water bubbling in the brook.
And as he watched it, Lion raised his head;
Out of a bloodied clump of daffodil.
"Michael," he moaned, "I, too, am dying: dead.
You're nearer to the water. Could you fill
Your hat and give me drink? Or would it spill?
Spill, I expect." "I'll try," said Michael, "try--
I may as well die trying, since I have to die."
Slowly he forced his body's failing life