Or, dropping-ripe, ready to fall with ruin.

So rush'd the inconsiderate multitude

Thorough the city, hurried headlong on,

As if the only hope that did remain

To their afflictions were t' abandon Rome.

Look how, when stormy Auster from the breach

Of Libyan Syrtes rolls a monstrous wave,

Which makes the main-sail fall with hideous sound,

The pilot from the helm leaps in the sea,

And mariners, albeit the keel be sound,500