Pulsating saliva stood at the corners of his mouth.
Within him, as he hurled himself forward, was born a love, a despairing fondness for this flag which was near him.

It was a creation of beauty and invulnerability.

It was a goddess, radiant, that bended its form with an imperious gesture to him.

It was a woman, red and white, hating and loving, that called him with the voice of his hopes.

Because no harm could come to it he endowed it with power.