XLIII.

Then might'st thou more appal--or, less desired, Be homely and be peaceful, undeplored[mo] For thy destructive charms; then, still untired, Would not be seen the arméd torrents poured Down the deep Alps; nor would the hostile horde Of many-nationed spoilers from the Po Quaff blood and water; nor the stranger's sword Be thy sad weapon of defence--and so, Victor or vanquished, thou the slave of friend or foe.