And though each monarch studies to improve The tender mem’ry of his former love, Their state requires a second nuptial tie. Hence the pale ruler with a love-sick eye 470 Surveys th’ attendants of his former wife, And offers one of them a royal life. These, when their martial mistress had been slain, Weak and despairing tried their arms in vain; Willing, howe’er, amidst the Black to go, 475 They thirst for speedy vengeance on the foe. Then he resolves to see who merits best, By strength and courage, the imperial vest; Points out the foe, bids each with bold design Pierce through the ranks, and reach the deepest line: 480 For none must hope with monarchs to repose But who can first, through thick surrounding foes, Through arms and wiles, with hazardous essay, Safe to the farthest quarters force their way. Fired at the thought, with sudden, joyful pace 485 They hurry on; but first of all the race Runs the third right-hand warrior for the prize,— The glitt’ring crown already charms her eyes. Her dear associates cheerfully give o’er | The nuptial chase; and swift she flies before, | 490 And Glory lent her wings, and the reward in store. | Nor would the sable King her hopes prevent, For he himself was on a Queen intent, Alternate, therefore, through the field they go. Hermes led on, but by a step too slow, 495 His fourth left Pawn: and now th’ advent’rous White Had march’d through all, and gain’d the wish’d for site. Then the pleased King gives orders to prepare The crown, the sceptre, and the royal chair, And owns her for his Queen: around exult 500 The snowy troops, and o’er the Black insult. Hermes burst into tears,—with fretful roar Fill’d the wide air, and his gay vesture tore. The swarthy Foot had only to advance One single step; but oh! malignant chance! 505 A towered Elephant, with fatal aim, Stood ready to destroy her when she came: He keeps a watchful eye upon the whole, Threatens her entrance, and protects the goal. Meanwhile the royal new-created bride, 510 Pleased with her pomp, spread death and terror wide; Like lightning through the sable troops she flies, Clashes her arms, and seems to threat the skies. The sable troops are sunk in wild affright, And wish th’ earth op’ning snatch’d ’em from her sight. 515 In burst the Queen, with vast impetuous swing: | The trembling foes come swarming round the King, | Where in the midst he stood, and form a valiant ring. | So the poor cows, straggling o’er pasture land, When they perceive the prowling wolf at hand, 520 Crowd close together in a circle full, And beg the succour of the lordly bull; They clash their horns, they low with dreadful sound, And the remotest groves re-echo round. But the bold Queen, victorious, from behind 525 Pierces the foe; yet chiefly she design’d