The Satyricon — Volume 04 : Escape by Sea by 20-66 Petronius Arbiter
page 50 of 56 (89%)
page 50 of 56 (89%)
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Is tossing his fleets! Now his cavalry, reeking with German
Gore, pours from the Alps! Slaughter, bloodshed, and weapons The red panorama of war is unrolled to their vision! By terror their hearts are divided: two counsels perplex them! One chooses by land to seek flight: to another, the water Appeals, and the sea than his own land is safer! Another Will stand to his arms and advantage extort from Fate's mandate. The depth of their fear marks the length of their flight! In confusion The people itself--shameful spectacle--driven by terror Is led to abandon the city. Rome glories in fleeing! The Quirites from battle blench! Cowed by the breath of a rumor Relinquished their firesides to mourning! One citizen, palsied With terror, his children embraces: another, his penates Conceals in his bosom; then, weeping, takes leave of his threshold And slaughters the distant invader--with curses! Their spouses |
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