Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, VICTOR AND VANQUISHED, by HENRY WADSWORTH LONGFELLOW



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Classic and Contemporary Poetry

VICTOR AND VANQUISHED, by                 Poet Analysis     Poet's Biography
First Line: As one who long hath fled with panting breath
Last Line: The vanquished here is victor of the field.


As one who long hath fled with panting breath
Before his foe, bleeding and near to fall,
I turn and set my back against the wall,
And look thee in the face, triumphant Death,
I call for aid, and no one answereth;
I am alone with thee, who conquerest all;
Yet me thy threatening form doth not appall,
For thou art but a phantom and a wraith.
Wounded and weak, sword broken at the hilt,
With armor shattered, and without a shield,
I stand unmoved; do with me what thou wilt;
I can resist no more, but will not yield.
This is no tournament where cowards tilt;
The vanquished here is victor of the field.





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