Horatius Cocles

Quintilian's criticism is indorsed by all scholars,--Lyricorum Horatius fere solus legi dignus, in verbis felicissime audax.

Then, whirling up his broadsword with both hands to the height, He rush'd against Horatius, and smote with all his might.

On Astur's throat Horatius right firmly press'd his heel, And thrice and four times tugg'd amain, ere he wrench'd outthe steel.

The hair of Horatius at sixty-five is as affluent as Hyperion's, and as dark without unguents as the raven's plume.