BOOK THE SIXTH.
213
Innocuous lightnings round the hallowed banner
Wreath'd their red radiance.
Thro' the open'd gate 395
Slow past, the laden convoy. Then was heard
The shout of exultation, and such joy
The men of Orleans at that welcome sight
Possess'd; as when from Bactria late subdued,
The Macedonian Madman led his troops 400
Amid the Sogdian desart, where no stream
Wastes on the wild its fertilizing waves.
Fearful alike to pause, or to proceed;
Scorch'd by the sun that o'er their morning march
Steam'd his hot vapors, heart subdued and faint; 405
Such joy as then they felt, when from the heights
Burst the soul-gladdening sound! for thence was seen
The evening sun silvering the tide below,
Where Oxus roll'd along.
Clamors of joy
Echo along the street of Orleans, wont 410
Long time to hear the infant's feeble cry,
Wreath'd their red radiance.
Thro' the open'd gate 395
Slow past, the laden convoy. Then was heard
The shout of exultation, and such joy
The men of Orleans at that welcome sight
Possess'd; as when from Bactria late subdued,
The Macedonian Madman led his troops 400
Amid the Sogdian desart, where no stream
Wastes on the wild its fertilizing waves.
Fearful alike to pause, or to proceed;
Scorch'd by the sun that o'er their morning march
Steam'd his hot vapors, heart subdued and faint; 405
Such joy as then they felt, when from the heights
Burst the soul-gladdening sound! for thence was seen
The evening sun silvering the tide below,
Where Oxus roll'd along.
Clamors of joy
Echo along the street of Orleans, wont 410
Long time to hear the infant's feeble cry,
The
