BOOK THE TENTH.
391
That stands unharm'd; and whilst the forest falls
Uprooted round, lifts his high head aloft, 405
And nods majestic to the warring wind.
Him, present danger but magnanimates:
He fought resolved to snatch the shield of Death
And shelter him from Shame. The very herd
Who fought near Talbot, tho' the Virgin's name 410
Made their cheeks pale, and drove the curdling blood
Back to their hearts, caught from his daring deeds
New force, and went like Eaglets to the prey
Beneath their mother's wing. Nor his high birth
Disgraced the Son of Talbot; by his sire 415
Emulous he strove, like the young Lionet
When first he bathes his murderous jaws in blood.
They fought intrepid, tho' amid their ranks
Fear and Confusion triumph'd; for such awe
Possess'd the English, as the Etruscans felt, 420
When self-devoted to the Infernal Gods
The gallant Decius stood before the troops,
Robed in the victim garb of sacrifice,
Uprooted round, lifts his high head aloft, 405
And nods majestic to the warring wind.
Him, present danger but magnanimates:
He fought resolved to snatch the shield of Death
And shelter him from Shame. The very herd
Who fought near Talbot, tho' the Virgin's name 410
Made their cheeks pale, and drove the curdling blood
Back to their hearts, caught from his daring deeds
New force, and went like Eaglets to the prey
Beneath their mother's wing. Nor his high birth
Disgraced the Son of Talbot; by his sire 415
Emulous he strove, like the young Lionet
When first he bathes his murderous jaws in blood.
They fought intrepid, tho' amid their ranks
Fear and Confusion triumph'd; for such awe
Possess'd the English, as the Etruscans felt, 420
When self-devoted to the Infernal Gods
The gallant Decius stood before the troops,
Robed in the victim garb of sacrifice,
And
