Their visages and stature as of gods; Their number last he sums. And now his heart Distends with pride, and hardening in his strength Glories: for never, since created Man, Met such imbodied force as, named with these, Could merit more then that small infantry Warred on by cranes: though all the giant brood Of Phlegra with the heroic race were joined That fought at Thebes and Ilium, on each side Mixed with auxiliar Gods; and what resounds In fable or romance of Uther’s son, Begirt with British and Armoric knights; And all who since, baptized or infidel, Jousted in Aspramont, or Montalban, Damasco, or Marocco, or Trebisond; Or whom Biserta sent from Afric shore When Charlemain with all his peerage fell By Fontarabbia. Thus far these beyond Compare of mortal prowess, yet observed Their dread Commander. He, above the rest In shape and gesture proudly eminent, Stood like a tower; his form had yet not lost All her original brightness, nor appeared Less than Archangel ruined, and the excess