பதிப்பு : மனோன்மணியம் - நாடகம்
The armies met in that vast plain whereon
The Chaldee, meting out the earth, became The scholar of the stars, -
A tombless plain, yet has it buried empires.
At first the Scythian horsemen, right to left,
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Broke wings by native Medes outstretched for flight, But in the central host
Stood Persia's sons, the mountain race of Cyrus;
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And in their midst, erect in golden car
With looks of scorn, Zariades the King;
And at his trumpet voice
Steed felt as man that now began the battle.
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Up, sons of Persia, Median women fly;
And leave the field to us whom gods made men: The Scythian chases well
Yon timorous deer; how let him front the lions.
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He spoke, and light - touched by his charioteer
-
Rushed his white steeds down the quick - parted lines; The parted lines quick closed,
Following that car as after lightning follow
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The hail and whirlwind of collected storm:
The Scyths had scattered their own force in chase,
As torrents split in rills
The giant waves whose gathered might were deluge;
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And, as the Scythian strength is in the charge
Of its fierce riders, so that charge, misspent, Left weak the ignobler ranks,
Fighting on foot; alert in raid or skirmish,
And skilled in weapons striking foes from far, But all untaught to front with levelled spears, And rampart-line of shields,
The serried onslaught of converging battle:
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