They went forth to battle, but they always fell;t Their eyes were fixed above the sullen shields;tNobly they fought and bravely, but not well,tAnd sank heart-wounded by a subtle spell.t They knew not fear that to the foeman yields,t They were not weak, as one who vainly wieldstA futile weapon; yet the sad scrolls telltHow on the hard-fought field they always fell.tIt was a secret music that they heard,t A sad sweet plea for pity and for peace;t And that which pierced the heart was but a word,tThough the white breast was red-lipped where the swordt Pressed a fierce cruel kiss, to put surceaset On its hot thirst, but drank a hot increase.tAh, they by some strange troubling doubt were stirred,t And died for hearing what no foeman heard.
