POETRY
THE DOG RIVER INSCRIPTIONS.'
PANELLED in rock, the bearded kings, with hands
Outstretched for menace, overlook the sea; Still the neat script, cut on their bossed robes, Cries out for homage—side by side they boast, Pul and Sesostris. The tall asphodel Flowers from their bases down to the green flood Of rushing Lycus, and the cyclamen Roots in the crevices. But, higher yet, The runnels after rain wash free from clay Stone adze and arrowhead; the rough plateau Was once a mart—the Cave-men wrangled here.
The ass's jawbone, set with flints for teeth
(Ages ere Samson), the proud purchaser Flourished and bore to battle. Ships of Tyro Sailed, late, these waters, driving to the creeks Coaster and coracle and timid hide.
Here, when Assyrian, when Egyptian came, Time had waxed old, and nations bad grown tired.
EDWARD J. TrromrsoN
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