These claim the pack, the bloody perquisite For all their toils. Stretched on the ground she lies, A mangled corse; in her dim glaring eyes Cold death exults, and stiffens every limb. Awed by the threatening whip, the furious hounds Around her bay; or at their master's foot, Each happy favourite courts his kind applause, _290 With humble adulation cowering low. All now is joy. With cheeks full-blown they wind Her solemn dirge, while the loud-opening pack The concert swell, and hills and dales return The sadly-pleasing sounds. Thus the poor hare, A puny, dastard animal, but versed In subtle wiles, diverts the youthful train. But if thy proud, aspiring soul disdains So mean a prey, delighted with the pomp, Magnificence and grandeur of the chase; _300 Hear what the Muse from faithful records sings. Why on the banks of Gemna, Indian stream, Line within line, rise the pavilions proud, Their silken streamers waving in the wind? Why neighs the warrior horse? from tent to tent, Why press in crowds the buzzing multitude? Why shines the polished helm, and pointed lance, This way and that far-beaming o'er the plain? Nor Visapour nor Golconda rebel; Nor the great Sophy, with his numerous host _310 Lays waste the provinces; nor glory fires To rob, and to destroy, beneath the name And specious guise of war. A nobler cause Calls Aurengzebe[7] to arms. No cities sacked, No mother's tears, no helpless orphan's cries, No violated leagues, with sharp remorse Shall sting the conscious victor: but mankind Shall hail him good and just. For 'tis on beasts He draws his vengeful sword; on beasts of prey Full-fed with human gore. See, see, he comes! _320 Imperial Delhi opening wide her gates, Pours out her thronging legions, bright in arms, And all the pomp of war. Before them sound Clarions and trumpets, breathing martial airs, And bold defiance. High upon his throne, Borne on the back of his proud elephant, Sits the great chief of Tamur's glorious race: Sublime he sits, amid the radiant blaze Of gems and gold. Omrahs about him crowd, And rein the Arabian steed, and watch his nod: _330 And potent Rajahs, who themselves preside O'er realms of wide extent; but here submiss Their homage pay, alternate kings and slaves. Next these, with prying eunuchs girt around, The fair sultanas of his court; a troop Of chosen beauties, but with care concealed From each intrusive eye; one look is death. A cruel Eastern law! (had kings a power But equal to their wild tyrannic will) To rob us of the sun's all-cheering ray, _340 Were less severe. The vulgar close the march, Slaves and artificers; and Delhi mourns Her empty and depopulated streets. Now at the camp arrived, with stern review, Through groves of spears, from file to file he darts His sharp experienced eye; their order marks, Each in his station ranged, exact and firm,