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.