With eyes oblique retorted, that aslant

Shot gleaming flame: his hollow jaw was fill’d

Dispersedly with jagged fangs of white,

Grim, unapproachable. And next above

The dragon’s forehead fell, stern Strife in air

Hung hovering, and array’d the war of men:

Haggard; whose aspect from all mortals reft

All mind and soul; whoe’er in brunt of arms

Should match their strength, and face the son of Jove.

Below this earth their spirits to th’ abyss