Feather and scale inextricably blended:
The serpent’s mailed and many-colored skin
Shone through the plumes, its coils were twined within,
With many a swoln and knotted fold; and high
And far the neck receding lithe and thin,
Sustained a crested head, which warily
Shifted, and glanced before the eagle’s steadfast eye.
Around, around, in ceaseless circles wheeling,
With clang of wings and scream the eagle sailed
Incessantly; sometimes on high concealing