With his broad sabre next, a chief in years, 55 The hoary majesty of spades appears,[433] Puts forth one manly leg, to sight revealed, The rest, his many-coloured robe concealed. The rebel knave, who dares his prince engage, Proves the just victim of his royal rage. 60 Ev'n mighty Pam, that kings and queens o'erthrew, And mowed down armies in the fights of loo,[434] Sad chance of war! now destitute of aid, Falls undistinguished by the victor spade! Thus far both armies to Belinda yield; 65 Now to the baron fate inclines the field. His warlike Amazon her host invades, Th' imperial consort of the crown of spades. The club's black tyrant first her victim died, Spite of his haughty mien, and barb'rous pride: 70 What boots the regal circle on his head,[435] His giant limbs, in state unwieldy spread; That long behind he trails his pompous robe, And of all monarchs only grasps the globe? The baron now his diamonds pours apace! 75 Th' embroidered king who shows but half his face, And his refulgent queen, with pow'rs combined, Of broken troops, an easy conquest find. Clubs, diamonds, hearts, in wild disorder seen, With throngs promiscuous strew the level green. 80 Thus when dispersed a routed army runs, Of Asia's troops, and Afric's sable sons, With like confusion different nations fly, Of various habit, and of various dye; The pierced battalions disunited fall, 85 In heaps on heaps; one fate o'erwhelms them all. The knave of diamonds tries his wily arts, And wins (oh shameful chance!) the queen of hearts. At this, the blood the virgin's cheek forsook, A livid paleness spreads o'er all her look; 90 She sees, and trembles at th' approaching ill, Just in the jaws of ruin, and codille.[436] And now (as oft in some distempered state) On one nice trick depends the gen'ral fate: An ace of hearts steps forth: the king unseen 95 Lurked in her hand, and mourned his captive queen: He springs to vengeance with an eager pace, And falls like thunder on the prostrate ace.[437] The nymph exulting fills with shouts the sky; The walls, the woods, and long canals reply.[438] 100 Oh thoughtless mortals! ever blind to fate,[439] Too soon dejected, and too soon elate. Sudden these honours shall be snatched away, And cursed for ever this victorious day. For lo! the board with cups and spoons is crowned,[440] 105 The berries crackle, and the mill turns round;[441] On shining altars of japan they raise The silver lamp; the fiery spirits blaze: From silver spouts the grateful liquors glide,