第16章 16

And all who since, Baptizd or Infidel Jousted in Aspramont or Montalban, Damasco, or Marocco, or Trebisond, Or whom Biserta sent from Afric shore [ 585 ] When Charlemain with all his Peerage fell By Fontarabbia. Thus far these beyond Compare of mortal prowess, yet observd Thir dread commander: he above the rest

In shape and gesture proudly eminent [ 590 ] Stood like a Towr; his form had yet not lost All her Original brightness, nor appeard Less then Arch Angel ruind, and th excess Of Glory obscurd: As when the Sun new risn Looks through the Horizontal misty Air [ 595 ] Shorn of his Beams, or from behind the Moon

In dim Eclips disastrous twilight sheds On half the Nations, and with fear of change Perplexes Monarchs. Darknd so, yet shon Above them all th Arch Angel: but his face [ 600 ] Deep scars of Thunder had intrencht, and care Sat on his faded cheek, but under Browes Of dauntless courage, and considerate Pride

Waiting revenge: cruel his eye, but cast Signs of remorse and passion to behold [ 605 ] The fellows of his crime, the followers rather (Far other once beheld in bliss) condemnd For ever now to have thir lot in pain, Millions of Spirits for his fault amerct Of Heavn, and from Eternal Splendors flung [ 610 ]

For his revolt, yet faithfull how they stood, Thir Glory witherd. As when Heavens Fire Hath scathd the Forrest Oaks, or Mountain Pines, With singed top thir stately growth though bare Stands on the blasted Heath. He now prepard [ 615 ] To speak; whereat thir doubld Ranks they bend From wing to wing, and half enclose him round

With all his Peers: attention held them mute.