Howe'er  the  need  that  thy  great  work  be  finished,
Risked  were  thy  head,  the  chances  were  diminished.
Is  not  the  helm  adorned  with  plume  and  crest  ?
The  head  it  shields,  that  steels  our  courage  best.
Without  a  head,  what  ^lould  the  members  bridle  ?
Let  it  but  sleep,  they  sink  supine  and  idle.
If  it  be  injured,  all  the  hurt  confess  in  't,
And  all  revive,  when  it  is  convalescent.
Then  soon  the  arm  its  right  shall  reassert,
And  lift  the  shield  to  save  the  skull  from  hurt :
The  sword  perceives  at  once  its  honored  trust,
Parries  with  vigor,  and  repeats  the  thrust:
The  gallant  foot  its  share  of  luck  will  gain,
And  plants  itseH  upon  the  necks  of  slain.
EMPEROR.
Such  is  my  wrath ;  I  'd  meet  him  thus,  undaunted,
And  see  his  proud  head  as  my  footstool  planted !

HERALDS  (returning).
Little  honor  was  accorded ;
We  have  met  with  scorn  undoubted :
Our  defiance,  nobly  worded.
As  an  empty  farce  they  flouted :
"  Lo,  your  Lord  is  but  a  vision,  —
Echo  of  a  vanished  prime  :
When  we  name  him,  says  Tradition :
'  He  was  —  once  upon  a  time  .' '  "


ACT  IV.  247


It 's  happened  as  the  best  would  fain  have  planned,
Who,  firm  and  faithful,  still  beside  thee  stand.
There  comes  the  foe,  thy  army  waits  and  wishes  j
Order  attack !  the  moment  is  auspicious.
EMPEROR.
Yet  I  decline  to  exercise  command.
( To  the  General-in-Chief.)
Thy  duty,  Prince,  be  trusted  to  thy  hand  !

GENERAL-IN-CHIEF.
Then  let  the  right  wing  now  advance  apace  !
The  enemy's  left,  who  just  begin  ascending.
Shall,  ere  the  movement  close,  give  up  their  place,
Before  the  youthful  force  our  field  defending.
FAUST.
