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Paradise lost.
Book 1.
From mortal or immortal minds. Thus they Breathing united force with fixed thought 560Mov'd on in silence to soft Pipes that charm'd Thir painful steps o'ere the burnt soyle; and now Advanc't in view they stand, a horrid Front Of dreadful length and dazzling Arms, in guise Of Warriors old with order'd Spear and Shield, Awaiting what command thir mighty Chief Had to impose: He through the armed Files Darts his experienc't eye, and soon traverse The whole Battalion views, thir order due, Thir visages and stature as of Gods, 570 Thir number last he summs. And now his heart Distends with pride, and, hardning in his strength Glories: For never since created man, Met such imbodied force, as nam'd with these Could merit more than that small infantry Warr'd on by Cranes: though all the Giant brood Of Phlegra with th' Heroic Race were joyn'd That fought at Theb's and Ilium, on each side Mixt with auxiliar Gods; and what resounds In Fable or Romance of Uthers Son 580Begirt with British and Armoric Knights; And all who since, Baptiz'd or Infidel Jousted in Aspramont or Montalban, Damasco, or Marocco, or Trebisond, Or whom Biserta sent from Afric shore When Charlemain with all his Peerage fell By Fontarabbia. Thus far these beyond Compare of mortal prowess, yet observ'd Thir dread Commander: he above the rest In shape and gesture proudly eminent 590
Stood
