It was a fierce encounter. Forced to flee,
The dire disease exerted all his might
To give the death blow to his enemy,
Ere from the prostrate form he took his flight.
’Twas needless—all his strength was yielded in the fight.
XIV.
Yet do they strive to raise the sinking frame,
By every means within the healer’s art;
To fan the dying embers to a flame,
And kindle life within the cold, cold heart;