The Dawn in Britain :: :: University of Virginia Library

This dures, till midday of that Summer-sun:
When horsemen, on both parts, now light, from steeds.
Be seen the great towered elephants; that, like some
Swart rocks, do stand in glittering waves of bronze;
Their long snout-hands to sling, and wide lap-ears
To flag, impatient of their immense force.

Cerulean Britons, which, with dreadful shout,
Were wont rush, headlong, on their enemies,
Now sit on the green herb. None, from his place,
Removes in the caterfs. Dull are their hearts,
A sapless squalor creepeth in their loins;
Whom nourished hath no kindly rest, to-night.

Under a state of gold and purple cloth,
Cæsar sits shadowed, mongst Rome's shining ranks;
Whose helms with leaves are bound, for Summer heat.
Britons far-off behold, that this is Claudius!
Mongst them, the king, great-voiced Caratacus,
Lighted from chariot, midst white-stoled war-druids,
Invokes his battle-gods; Bran, Camulus,
(Whose image sheen, set o'er the dune's tower-gate,)
And heroes' spirits, Cunobelin, Togodumnos.
Choired druids begin, then, solemn battle-chant,

185

Intone; whereto response, with one vast throat,
Make Britons' host; wherewith, hark, shrilling note,
Of women from dune walls. And heard their gods;
That, in the island powers, infuse new force.
Then Britons clash to shields their glaives and spears!