The Soul of Osiris

74 THE SOUL OF OSIRIS. “ You crossed the bridge—no man’s heart trod you there ? ” Then crossed his breast in uttering some prayer : “ I pray you follow of your courtesy, My lord ! ” I followed very bitterly. “ Likes you the sword I gave ? ” I did not dare Answer one word. My soul was hating me. He bade me draw. I silently obeyed. My eye shirked his as blade encountered blade. I was determined he should take my life. “ Went your glance back—encountering my wife ? ” “ Taunt me ! ” I cried ; “ I will not be afraid ! ” My whole soul weary of the coward strife. He seemed to see no opening I gave, But hated me the more. Serene and suave, He fenced with deep contempt. I stumble, slip, Guard wide—and only move his upper lip. “ You know I will not strike, Sir pure and brave ! Fight me your best—or I shall find a whip ! ” That stung me, even me. He wronged me, so : Therefore some shame and hate informed the blow ; Some coward’s courage pointed me the steel ; Some strength of Hell : we lunge, and leap, and wheel ; Hard breath and laboured hands—the flashes grow Swifter and cruel—this court hath no appeal ! He gladdened then. I would not slip again And baulk the death of half its shame and pain.