This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can usually download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1812 edition. Excerpt: ...shield Clank'd with a sharp shrill sound: two grisly snakes Hung from their girdles, and with forking tongues Lick'd their inflected jaws: and violent gnash'd 3%! Their fangs, fell-glaring: each grim Gorgon head Shook horrour. Next above them warriour men Vag'd battle, grasping weapons in their hands. Some from their city and their sires repell'd Destruction; others hasten'd to destroy: 325 And many press'd the plain, but more still held The combat. On the strong-constructed towers Stood ivomen, shrieking shrill, and 'rent their cheeks In very life, by Vulcan's glorious craft. The elders hoar with age assembled stood 330 Without the gates, and to the blessed gods Their hands uplifted, for their fighting sons F ear-stricken. These again the combat held. Behind them stood the Fates, of aspect black, Grim, slaughter-breathing, fell, insatiable, 335' With teeth white-gnashing; and fierce conflict held For those who fell. Each eager-thirsting sought To qualf the sable blood. Whom first they snatch'd Prostrate, or staggering with the fresh-made wound, Ou him they struck their talons huge: the soul 340 Fled down th' abyss, the horrour'freezing gulf Of Tartarns. They, glutted to the heart With human gore, behind them cast the corse; And back with hurrying rage they turn'd to seek The throng of battle. And hard by there stood 345 Clotho and Lachesis; and Atropos, Somewhat in years inferior; nor was she A mighty goddess, yet those other Fates Exceeding, and of birth the elder far. And all around one man in cruel strife 350 Were join'd; and on each other tnrn'd in wrath Their glowing eyes; and mingling desperate hands And talons, mutual strove. And near...