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168
EAGLES
When sudden-swooping talons grazed
The pale man face,
As the fierce earn, there, mid the skies
Struck with blind fury at his rival's eyes.
Up-fluttering, the feathered king
Plunged down again.
His rushing anger seemed to bring
Fate nearer; then
The man-bird knew the moment's strife
Not for supremacy alone, but life!
With nerve that grows in peril great,
He toward him drew
A thing to strengthen him with Fate,
Whence instant flew
A wingèd death, and far behind
Headlong the Eagle fell, the abyss to find.
*********
Thy fight was over, glorious bird!—
Thy scornful strength
Which the sky's sovereignty conferred,
Subdued at length,—
An autumn leaf against the wind,
In conflict with a greater power—called Mind!
