Dim in the distance, reared its lofty head;

Light clouds o'erbung the vale of Ajalon,

And the Five Armies, by their monarchs led,

Not to mere mortal fight, but conflict far more dread.

How beautiful, at matin's early prime,

Valley, and mountain, and that city fair!

Magnificent, yet fearfully sublime,

In few brief hours the scene depicted there!

Below the battle raged, and high in air

The gathering clouds, with tempest in their womb,