Who envied even old Abraham for his faith,
Ordained to put his only son to death.
He started up—in such a mood of soul
The white bear bites his showman’s stirring pole;
He danced too, and brought out, with snarl and howl,
“O Dia! Dia! and Dioul! Dioul!”[100]
But sense foils fury—as the blowing whale
Spouts, bleeds, and dyes the waves without avail—
Wears out the cable’s length that makes him fast,
But, worn himself, comes up harpooned at last—