XL.

The Gaul who had strove to compass round our left Himself is now encompassed--in that dire Extremity of daring not bereft, But facing all around in conflict’s ire His fierce assailants--scattering with his fire Full many a corse, where Frenchmen thicker fell. But climbs Clausel’s reserve the mountain higher, Up craggy steep where doth the Virgin dwell. Stern was the fight, and Gaul had battled ne’er so well.