Like melting lead gushed forth: nor long thereafter he stood {1680}
Towering up on the rock out-jutting that frowned o’er the brine.
But, even as high on the mountain side a giant pine,—
Which the woodmen have left, when adown from the forest at even they hie,
With the keen axe half hewn through,—as the winds of the night pass by,
Shivereth first in the blast, and swayeth; but, snapt ere long
At the stump, down falleth; so he on his feet all tireless-strong
For a little space yet stood, yet swayed he to and fro.
Thereafter all strengthless fell with a mighty crash their foe.
For that night there on the shore of Crete did the heroes lie;