With sword and spear, nor tried to manage shield,

Proving arms' use, as well-trained warrior ought,

"'Only a sling and pebbles can I wield!'

So he: while I, contrariwise, 'No trick

Of weapon helpful on the battlefield

"'Comes unfamiliar to my theoric:

But, bid me put in practice what I know,

Give me a sword—it stings like Moses' stick,

"'A serpent I let drop apace.' E'en so,