XXVIII.

And Nial coped with yet a hardier chief, Whose practised valour and whose sinewy arm Gave little hope, I ween, of victory brief, Yet joy inspired to Nial, not alarm. Terrific was their sword play, like the charm Of deadly basilisk to lure the eye; And many a pass was parried without harm, And many a sweep and many a thrust put by, Till Nial’s foe at last i’ th’ trench doth silent lie.