LX.
When he was nigh the city-walls, so bright,
The world has not their equal, he the straight
And spacious way deserts, the way which dight
Across the plain, conducted to the gate;
And by that safer road upon the right,
Strains now against the mountain; but, in wait,
Encounters soon the crowd of evil foes,
Who furiously the Child’s advance oppose.
LXI.
Was never yet beheld a stranger band[11],
Of mien more hideous, or more monstrous shape.
Formed downwards from the neck like men, he scanned
Some with the head of cat, and some of ape;
With hoof of goat that other stamped the sand;
While some seemed centaurs, quick in fight and rape;
Naked, or mantled in outlandish skin,
These doting sires, those striplings bold in sin.
LXII.
This gallops on a horse without a bit;
This backs the sluggish ass, or bullock slow;
These mounted on the croup of centaur sit;
Those perched on eagle, crane, or estridge, go.
Some male, some female, some hermaphrodit’,
These drain the cup and those the bugle blow.
One bore a corded ladder, one a hook;
One a dull file, or bar of iron shook.
