My daughter or my grandson shall I mourn,1170

My husband, country—or myself alone?

O death, my sole desire, for boys and maids

Thou com'st with hurried step and savage mien;

But me alone of mortals dost thou fear

And shun; through all that dreadful night of Troy,

I sought thee 'midst the swords and blazing brands,1175

But all in vain my search. No cruel foe,

Nor crumbling wall, nor blazing fire, could give

The death I sought. And yet how near I stood