THE MACEDONIAN PHALANX.

[ZaunköniG]

Ranq'd o'er the wide-stretch'd plain the columns stood,
Firm, as the valiant hearts that beat beneath
Their massive armour, which the pointed death
Repuls'd, tho' often dy'd with warrior's blood,

And tho' the assailing came like a flood
Which vainly chafes the rock-encircled coast
Th' impetuous dashing was ev'n as lost,
Still unbroken as an impervious wood ;

But if the close-compacted lines betray'd
An interval, like unimproved time,
As lacking judgment's all-consid'ring aid,
Resembling thunder when it rolls sublime,
While bursting through the void, the foe would seek
The glorious phalanx its mighty strength to break.