第16章 15

But still I see the tenor of Mans woe Holds on the same, from Woman to begin. From Mans effeminate slackness it begins, Said th Angel, who should better hold his place [ 635 ] By wisdome, and superiour gifts receavd. But now prepare thee for another Scene. He lookd and saw wide Territorie spred

Before him, Towns, and rural works between, Cities of Men with lofty Gates and Towrs, [ 640 ] Concours in Arms, fierce Faces threatning Warr, Giants of mightie Bone, and bould emprise; Part wield thir Arms, part courb the foaming Steed, Single or in Array of Battel rangd Both Horse and Foot, nor idely mustring stood; [ 645 ]

One way a Band select from forage drives A herd of Beeves, faire Oxen and faire Kine From a fat Meddow ground; or fleecy Flock, Ewes and thir bleating Lambs over the Plaine, Thir Bootie; scarce with Life the Shepherds flye, [ 650 ] But call in aide, which makes a bloody Fray; With cruel Tournament the Squadrons joine;

Where Cattle pasturd late, now scatterd lies With Carcasses and Arms thensanguind Field Deserted: Others to a Citie strong [ 655 ] Lay Seige, encampt; by Batterie, Scale, and Mine, Assaulting; others from the Wall defend With Dart and Javlin, Stones and sulfurous Fire; On each hand slaughter and gigantic deeds.

In other part the scepterd Haralds call [ 660 ] To Council in the Citie Gates: anon Grey-headed men and grave, with Warriours mixt, Assemble, and Harangues are heard, but soon In factious opposition, till at last Of middle Age one rising, eminent [ 665 ] In wise deport, spake much of Right and Wrong,

Of Justice, of Religion, Truth and Peace, And Judgment from above: him old and young Exploded, and had seizd with violent hands, Had not a Cloud descending snatchd him thence [ 670 ] Unseen amid the throng: so violence Proceeded, and Oppression, and Sword-Law Through all the Plain, and refuge none was found.