Side 40 af 239

Their boasted parents: Titan, heaven's first-born,

With his enormous brood, and birthright seized

By younger Saturn; he from mightier Jove,

His own and Rhea's son, like measure found.

So Jove usurping reigned. These first in Crete,

And Ida known, thence on the snowy top

Of cold Olympus ruled the middle air,

Their highest heaven; or on the Delphian cliff,

Or in Dodona, and through all the bounds

Of Doric land; or who with Saturn old

Fled over Adria to the Hesperian fields,

And o'er the Celtic roamed the utmost isles.

All these and more came flocking; but with looks Downcast and damp; yet such wherein appeared Obscure some glimpse of joy, to have found their chief Not in despair, to have found themselves not lost In loss itself,—which on his countenance cast Like doubtful hue. But he, his wonted pride Soon recollecting, with high words, that bore Semblance of worth, not substance, gently raised Their fainting courage, and dispelled their fears. Then straight commands, that at the warlike sound Of trumpets loud and clarions, be upreared His mighty standard. That proud honour claim'd Azazel as his right; a cherub tall, Who forthwith from the glittering staff unfurled The imperial ensign, which, full high advanced, Shone like a meteor streaming to the wind, With gems and golden lustre rich emblazed, Seraphic arms and trophies; all the while Sonorous metal blowing martial sounds, At which the universal host up sent A shout that tore Hell's concave, and beyond Frighted the reign of Chaos and old Night.

The Delphian cliff, or in Dodona.—There was an oracle to Apollo at Delphi, and one to Jupiter at Dodona.