In peace to Hades' house, after the fire

Twice a man's height for him who did suspire

Twice a man's heart and render it to Heaven

Who gave it, after offerings paid and given,

And games of men and horses, she brought forth

His regal arms for hero of most worth

In the broad Danaan host, who was adjudged

Odysseus by all voices. Aias grudged

The vote and wandered brooding, drawn apart

From his room-fellows, seeding in his heart

Envy, which biting inwards did corrode

His mettle, and his ill blood plied the goad

Upon his brain, until the wretch made mad

Went muttering his wrongs, ill-trimmed, ill-clad,

Sightless and careless, with slack mouth awry,

And working tongue, and danger in the eye;

And oft would stare at Heaven and laugh his scorn:

"O fools, think not to trick me!" then forlorn

Would gaze about green earth or out to sea:

"This is the end of man in his degree"—

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