XVI.

Now, had they _not_ been brothers of the womb!-- I saw two emmets fight with dire intent, As nought could slake their vengeance but the tomb-- As each the other’s head had joyous rent, And gnawed like Ugolino. Why thus bent On slaughter? For a grain of chaff the strife; I thought of human blood inglorious spent In private feud for straws with quarrel rife, And deadly weapons aimed at God’s best gift of life!