That rolls by the towers of Rome.
‘“O Tiber! father Tiber!
To whom the Romans pray,
A Roman’s life, a Roman’s arms,
Take thou in charge this day!”
So he spake, and speaking sheathed
The good sword by his side,
And with his harness on his back,
Plunged headlong in the tide.’
Not a sound was heard from either bank as Horatius, wounded and bleeding, disappeared in the flood.