BOOK THE SEVENTH.
229
Even thro' the hauberk drove.
But there the war
Raged fiercest where the Martial Maiden moved
The minister of wrath. For thither throng'd
The bravest champions of the adverse host.
And on her either side two warriors stood 170
Of unmatch'd prowess, still with eager eye
Shielding her form, and aiming at her foes
Their deadly weapons, of themselves the while
Little regarding. One was that bold man
Who bade defiance to the English Chiefs. 175
Firmly he stood, untir'd and undismay'd,
Tho' on his burgonet the frequent spear
Drove fierce, and on his arm the buckler hung
Heavy, thick-bristled with the hostile shafts,
Even like the porcupine when in his rage 180
Rous'd, he collects within him all his force,
Himself a quiver. And of loftier port
On the other hand towered Conrade. Firmly fenced,
A jazerent of double mail he wore,
But there the war
Raged fiercest where the Martial Maiden moved
The minister of wrath. For thither throng'd
The bravest champions of the adverse host.
And on her either side two warriors stood 170
Of unmatch'd prowess, still with eager eye
Shielding her form, and aiming at her foes
Their deadly weapons, of themselves the while
Little regarding. One was that bold man
Who bade defiance to the English Chiefs. 175
Firmly he stood, untir'd and undismay'd,
Tho' on his burgonet the frequent spear
Drove fierce, and on his arm the buckler hung
Heavy, thick-bristled with the hostile shafts,
Even like the porcupine when in his rage 180
Rous'd, he collects within him all his force,
Himself a quiver. And of loftier port
On the other hand towered Conrade. Firmly fenced,
A jazerent of double mail he wore,
Beneath
