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.