To watch the foe; a prowling band came nigh,
Whom with the ardour of impetuous youth
He charged and followed them in close pursuit:
Quick succours join’d them; and the strife grew hot,
Ere Pedro hastening to bring off his son,
Or Julian and his Captains, ... bent alike
That hour to abstain from combat, (for by this
Full sure they deem’d Alcahman had secured
The easy means of certain victory,) ...
Could reach the spot. Both thus in their intent