Chapter 16 15
But still I see the tenor of Mans woe
Holds on the same, from Woman to begin.
From Mans effeminate slackness it begins,
Said th Angel, who should better hold his place [ 635 ]
By wisdom, and superior gifts receaved.
But now prepare thee for another Scene.
He looked and saw wide Territorie spred
Before him, Towns, and rural works between,
Cities of Men with lofty Gates and Towrs, [ 640 ]
Concours in Arms, fierce Faces threatening Warr,
Giants of mightie Bone, and bould emprise;
Part wield thir Arms, part courb the foaming Steed,
Single or in Array of Battel rangd
Both Horse and Foot, nor idely muster stood; [ 645 ]
One way a Band select from forage drives
A herd of Beeves, faire Oxen and faire Kine
From a fat Meddow ground; or fleecy Flock,
Ewes and thir bleating Lambs over the Plaine,
Thir Bootie; scarce with Life the Shepherds flye, [ 650 ]
But call in aide, which makes a bloody Fray;
With cruel Tournament the Squadrons join;
Where Cattle pasturd late, now scattered lies
With Carcasses and Arms thensanguind Field
Deserted: Others to a Citie strong [ 655 ]
Lay Seige, encampt; by Batterie, Scale, and Mine,
Assaulting; others from the Wall defend
With Dart and Javlin, Stones and sulfurous Fire;
On each hand slaughter and gigantic deeds.
In other part the scepterd Haralds call [ 660 ]
To Council in the Citie Gates: anon
Grey-headed men and grave, with Warriors mixt,
Assemble, and Harangues are heard, but soon
In factual opposition, till at last
Of middle Age one rising, eminent [ 665 ]
In wise deport, spake much of Right and Wrong,
Of Justice, of Religion, Truth and Peace,
And Judgment from above: him old and young
Exploded, and had seized with violent hands,
Had not a Cloud descending snatched him thence [ 670 ]
Unseen amid the throng: so violence
Proceeded, and Oppression, and Sword-Law
Through all the Plain, and refuge none was found.