The Gates of Nineveh (1928)
by Robert Ervin Howard

First published in Weird Tales, July 1928

132727The Gates of Nineveh1928Robert Ervin Howard

These are the gates of Nineveh: here
Sargon came when his wars were won
Gazed at the turrets looming clear
Boldly etched in the morning sun

Down from his chariot Sargon came
Tossed his helmet upon the sand
Dropped his sword with its blade like flame
Stroked his beard with his empty hand

"Towers are flaunting their banners red
The people greet me with song and mirth
But a weird is on me," Sargon said
"And I see the end of the tribes of earth"

"Cities crumble, and chariots rust
I see through a fog that is strange and gray
All kingly things fade back to the dust
Even the gates of Nineveh"


This work is in the public domain in the United States because it was published before January 1, 1929.


The longest-living author of this work died in 1936, so this work is in the public domain in countries and areas where the copyright term is the author's life plus 87 years or less. This work may be in the public domain in countries and areas with longer native copyright terms that apply the rule of the shorter term to foreign works.

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