And, the last day being come, Man stood alone



Ere sunrise on the world’s dismantled verge,



Awaiting how from everywhere should urge



The Coming of the Lord. And, behold, none







Did come,—but indistinct from every realm



Of earth and air and water, growing more



And louder, shriller, heavier, a roar



Up the dun atmosphere did overwhelm







His ears; and as he looked affrighted round



Every manner of beast innumerable



All thro’ the shadows crying grew, until



The wailing was like grass upon the ground.







Asudden then within his human side



Their anguish, since the goad he wielded first,



And, since he gave them not to drink, their thirst,



Darted compressed and vital.—As he died,







Low in the East now lighting gorgeously



He saw the last sea-serpent iris-mailed



Which, with a spear transfixèd, yet availed



To pluck the sun down into the dead sea.





