JAROSLAW.
15
Th’ astrologers assembled quick,
Magicians, wizards tried,
A circle in two companies
They tread on either side;
And in it a black bar they place,
And do in twain divide.
The one half they have Kublay nam’d,
The other half the kings,
And o’er them the whole magic band
Ancient enchantments sings.
And soon the bars begin to move
In combat mightily,
And that, which they had Kublay nam’d,
Hath won the victory.
The multitudes thereat rejoice,
Each springs with speed to horse,
And quickly all array themselves
Amongst the army’s force.
The Christians they no council hold,
And without foresight throng,
And rush upon the heathen ranks
As arrogant as strong.
Then first in battle did they meet,
Like hail the arrows stream’d,
