By various fluices from one common head; By that rude torrent, which with roaring found Came tumbling from the hill, and flow'd the level round. XXVIII. And every where this spacious valley o'er, a Of their fond mothers, and by faitours strong, By pow'r made infolent, and hard by pride, Were driv❜n with furious rage, and lash'd into the tide. XXIX. On the rude bank with trembling feet they stood, If haply they mote 'scape the hated flood, But far away th' unheeding father flies, While close behind, affuming the disguise Faitour, deer, from faire to do, and fait deed, commonly used by Spenfer in a bad fenfe. Of Of nurturing care, and fmiling tenderness, With fecret fcourges arm'd those griefly faitours prefs. XXX. As on the steepy margin of a brook, When the young fun with flowery Maia rides, With innocent dismay a bleating flock Into the dafhing wave compels them furious down. XXXI. с Thus urg'd by maft'ring Fear and dol'rous Teen Of tender striplings ftain'd with tears and blood, And labouring to attain the diftant fhore, Where holding forth the gown of manhood stood Sollicited their hearts with her inchanting lore. XXXII. Irksome and long the paffage was, perplex'd With rugged rocks on which the raving tide • Seely, fimple. Teen, pain, grief. с By By sudden bursts of angry tempests vex'd Oft dash'd the youth, whose strength mote ill abide With head up-lifted o'er the waves to ride. Whence many wearied ere they had o'er-past The middle stream (for they in vain have tried) d Ne one regardful look would ever backward caft. с Some, of a rugged, more enduring frame, Their toilfome courfe with patient pain purfu'd; And though with many a bruise and muchel blame, Eft hanging on the rocks, and eft embru’d Deep in the muddy ftream, with hearts fubdu'd And quail'd by labour, gain'd the shore at last, But in life's practic lear unfkill'd and rude, Forth to that forked bill they filent pac'd; Where hid in ftudious fhades their fruitless hours they XXXIV. Others of rich and noble lineage bred, [wafte. Though with the crowd to pass the flood constrain'd, Yet o'er the crags with fond indulgence led By hireling guides and in all depths sustain❜d, Skimm'd lightly o'er the tide, undipt, unftain'd, Save with the sprinkling of the wat❜ry spray: 4 Aftounded, aftonished, e Muchel, much. f Lear, learning. I And And aye their proud prerogative maintain❜d, A few, alas, how few! by heav'n's high will Dire was the tumult, and from every shore And furious stripes, and angry threats fevere, On Shinar's wide-spread champain did astound High Babel's builders vain, and their proud works con XXXVII. Much was the KNIGHT empaffion'd at the scene, On his pale cheek the signs of dread impress'd, Who with sweet smiles paternal foon redress'd His troublous thoughts, and clear'd each fad furmife; Then turns his ready fteed, and on his journey hies. XXXVIII. 66 But far he had not march'd ere he was stay'd By a rude voice, that like th' united found "Arrest, Sir Knight, it cried, thy fond career, In my commands, Sir Knight, the voice of nations hear!" XXXIX. Quick turn'd the KNIGHT, and faw upon the plain Advancing tow❜rds him with impetuous gate, And visage all inflam'd with fierce disdain, A monstrous GIANT, on whose brow elate VOL. IV. C Shone |