XII.

War, our consumption, was their gainful trade; We inward bled whilst they prolonged our pain; He fought to end our fighting, and essayed To staunch the blood, by breathing of the vein.[12]

Swift and resistless through the land he past, Like that bold Greek, who did the East subdue; And made to battles such heroic haste, As if on wings of victory he flew.

He fought, secure of fortune as of fame, Till by new maps the island might be shewn; Of conquests, which he strewed where'er he came, Thick as the galaxy with stars is sown.[13]