Solidified by hate,—earth halved almost,

To close once more in chaos. Yet two shapes

Show prominent, each from the universe

Of minions round about him, that disperse

Like cloud-obstruction when a bolt escapes.

Who flames first? Macedonian, is it thou?

Ay, and who fronts thee, King Darius, drapes

His form with purple, fillet-folds his brow.

XII

What, then the long day dies at last? Abrupt