XXIII.

“Within the Cosso’s wide and central street The foemen fierce contend from side to side. From roof and window hostile volleys meet; Each house a fortress, where assault is tried In vain--the very women far and wide Rain household gear and scalding water down. The black and shattered walls with blood are dyed. The dead in heaps putrescent grimly frown; And pestilence doth threat the death-devoted town.