spurns the blackened ground in the pangs of death, and

dyes with blood the broken spear. Nor did the chief

deign to strike down Orodes as he fled, or deal from a

spear-throw a wound unseen; full in front he meets him, 35

and engages him as man should man, prevailing not by

guile but by sheer force of steel. Then with foot and

lance planted on the back-flung body: “See, gallants, a

bulwark of the war has fallen in tall Orodes,” and his

comrades shout in unison, taking up the triumphal pæan.

The dying man returns: “Whoever thou art, thy victorious