BOOK THE SEVENTH.
235
A buckler broad, and fenced with iron plates,
Bulwark'd his breast. Nor to dislodge the Chief
Could the English pour their numbers, for the way 285
By upward steps presented from the fort
Narrow ascent, where one alone could meet
The war. Yet were they of their numbers proud,
Tho' useless numbers were in that strait path,
Save by assault, unceasing to out-last 290
A single warrior, who at length must sink
Fatigued with conquering, by long victory
Vanquished.
There was amid the garrison
A fearless Knight who at Verneuil had fought,
And high renown for his bold chivalry 295
Acquir'd in that day's conquest. To his fame
The thronging English yield the foremost place.
He his keen javelin to transpierce the Frank
Hurl'd forceful: harmless in his shield it fix'd,
Advantaging the foe, for by his side 300
The battle-axe, an unfit weapon there,
Bulwark'd his breast. Nor to dislodge the Chief
Could the English pour their numbers, for the way 285
By upward steps presented from the fort
Narrow ascent, where one alone could meet
The war. Yet were they of their numbers proud,
Tho' useless numbers were in that strait path,
Save by assault, unceasing to out-last 290
A single warrior, who at length must sink
Fatigued with conquering, by long victory
Vanquished.
There was amid the garrison
A fearless Knight who at Verneuil had fought,
And high renown for his bold chivalry 295
Acquir'd in that day's conquest. To his fame
The thronging English yield the foremost place.
He his keen javelin to transpierce the Frank
Hurl'd forceful: harmless in his shield it fix'd,
Advantaging the foe, for by his side 300
The battle-axe, an unfit weapon there,
He
