On each side flank’d with citadels and towers

And rocky walls, and arches massy proof

Against the storm of war. Compared with this

Less[7] and less hazardous emprize achieved

Resistless Alexander, when he cast

The strong foundations of that high-raised mound

Deep in the hostile waves, his martial way,

Built on before him up to sea-girt Tyre.

Nor[8] aught so bold, so vast, so wonderful,

At Athos or the fetter’d Hellespont,