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ent to man the wall. 540 XXX But, like a graven image, Black Auster kept his place, And ever wistfully he looked Into his master's face. The raven-mane that daily, 545 With pats and fond caresses, The young Herminia washed and combed, And twined in even tresses, And decked with coloured ribands From her own gay attire, 550 Hung sadly o'er her father's corpse In carnage and in mire. Forth with a shout sprang Titus, And seized Black Auster's rein. Then Aulus sware a fearful oath, 555 And ran at him amain. "The furies of thy brother[53] With me and mine abide, If one of your accursed house Upon black Auster ride!" 560 As on an Alpine watch-tower From heaven comes down the flame, Full on the neck of Titus The blade of Aulus came: And out the red blood spouted, 565 In a wide arch and tall, As spouts a fountain in the court Of some rich Capuan's[54] hall. The knees of all the Latines Were loosened with dismay 570 When dead, on dead Herminius, The bravest Tarquin lay. [_Aulus prepares to mount black Auster, when he spies two strange horsemen by his side. These are Castor and Pollux, who charge at the head of the Roman army_.] XXXI And Aulus the Dictator Stroked Auster's raven mane, With heed he looked unto the girths, 575 With heed unto the rein. "Now bear me well, black Auster, Into yon thick array; And thou and I will have revenge For thy good lord this day." 580 XXXII So spake he; and was buckling Tighter black Auster's band, When he was aware of a princely pair That rode at his right hand. So like they were, no mortal 585 Might one from other know: White as snow their armour was; Their steeds were white as snow. Never on earthly anvil Did such rare armour gleam; 590 And never did such gallant steeds Drink of an earthly stream. XXXIII And all who saw them trembled, And pale grew every cheek, And Aulus the Dictator 595 Scarce gathered voice to speak. "Say by what name men call you? What
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