And Fathers, mixed with Commons,
Seized hatchet, bar, and crow,
And smote upon the planks above,

And loosed the props below.

XXXV.

Meanwhile the Tuscan army,

Right glorious to behold,

Came flashing back the noonday light,
Rank behind rank, like surges bright

Of a broad sea of gold.

Four hundred trumpets sounded

A peal of warlike glee,

280

285

As that great host, with measured tread,
And spears advanced, and ensigns spread,
Rolled slowly towards the bridge's head,
Where stood the dauntless Three.

290

XXXVI.

The Three stood calm and silent,
And looked upon the foes,

And a great shout of laughter

From all the vanguard rose :

295

And forth three chiefs came spurring

Before that deep array;

To earth they sprang, their swords they drew,

Who led to fight his Umbrian powers

From that grey crag where, girt with towers,

The blow, though turned, came yet too nigh; 370
It missed his helm, but gashed his thigh:
The Tuscans raised a joyful cry

To see the red blood flow.

Right firmly pressed his heel,

And thrice and four times tugged amain,

Ere he wrenched out the steel.

380

385

390

395

A sullen murmur ran,

Mingled of wrath and shame and dread,

400

Along that glittering van.