A strange-eyed Eagle fiercely tore its way
From out the breast of Latium, and began
At once to feed upon the blood of man,
And grow enormously from day to day.
Its maddened craving nought had power to stay,
Though down its throat the gore in rivers ran,
And though so hugely grown its wings did span
The world itself that trembled 'neath their sway.
At last made weak from surfeiting on woes,
And urged no more by War's infuriate cry,
The monstrous thing was rended by its foes;
And yet it died not, nor can ever die,
For they that felt the mangling of its claw
Still conquered lie beneath its deathless Law.