There fronts the fury of th’ avenging host One single shock: and (should he ward the blow), May then retire at pleasure from the foe. The Foot alone (so their harsh laws ordain) When they proceed can ne’er return again. 105 But neither all rush on alike to prove The terror of their arms: The Foot must move Directly on, and but a single square; Yet may these heroes, when they first prepare To mix in combat on the bloody mead, 110 Double their sally, and two steps proceed; But when they wound, their swords they subtly guide With aim oblique, and slanting pierce his side. But the great Indian beasts, whose backs sustain Vast turrets arm’d, when on the redd’ning plain 115 They join in all the terror of the fight, Forward or backward, to the left or right, Run furious, and impatient of confine Scour through the field, and threat the farthest line. Yet must they ne’er obliquely aim their blows; | 120 That only manner is allow’d to those | Whom Mars has favour’d most, who bend the stubborn bows. | These glancing sidewards in a straight career, Yet each confin’d to their respective sphere, Or white or black, can send th’ unerring dart 125 Wing’d with swift death to pierce through ev’ry part. The fiery steed, regardless of the reins, Comes prancing on; but sullenly disdains The path direct, and boldly wheeling round, | Leaps o’er a double space at ev’ry bound: 130 | And shifts from white or black to diff’rent colour’d ground. | But the fierce Queen, whom dangers ne’er dismay, The strength and terror of the bloody day, In a straight line spreads her destruction wide, To left or right, before, behind, aside. 135 Yet may she never with a circling course Sweep to the battle like the fretful Horse; But unconfin’d may at her pleasure stray, If neither friend nor foe block up the way; For to o’erleap a warrior, ’tis decreed 140 Those only dare who curb the snorting steed. With greater caution and majestic state The warlike Monarchs in the scene of fate Direct their motions, since for these appear Zealous each hope, and anxious ev’ry fear. 145 While the King’s safe, with resolution stern They clasp their arms; but should a sudden turn Make him a captive, instantly they yield, Resolved to share his fortune in the field. He moves on slow; with reverence profound 150 His faithful troops encompass him around, And oft, to break some instant fatal scheme, Rush to their fates, their sov’reign to redeem; While he, unanxious where to wound the foe, Need only shift and guard against a blow. 155 But none, however, can presume t’ appear Within his reach, but must his vengeance fear; For he on ev’ry side his terror throws; But when he changes from his first repose, Moves but one step, most awfully sedate, 160