How sharp its point, how keen its edge of steel.

XXVII.

At length, no longer heedful of disguise,

Upon the opposing bank the wizard stood,

With meet compeer—both armed; their battle cries

And challenge fired brave Waban’s martial blood;

Scorning all counsel, to the marge he flies,

And shoots his arrows o’er the severing flood;

To taunts and jeers his bow alone replies,

And soon their hostile missiles span the skies.