And, slaying, in a swirl of slaughter dies.

With brow uplifted and strained, pulsing throat,

And salt-parched lips out-thrust, unto the sun

He stretched beseeching hands, as though he sought

To snatch some glittering disaster thence.

One moment radiant thus; and then once more

His arms dropped listless, and he slowly shrank

Within his sea-stained habit, cowering dark

Amid the azure blaze of sea and sky.

Then, stirring, with impatient step he moved