Sinopsis

All night in slumber deep the armies lay: But, while the eastern sky with first faint beam Yet dimly reddened; in both camps arose The stir of war preparing: arms were donned; Chariots in order set; and neighing steeds In gleaming mail caparisoned. Anon, Eager for onset, the Assyrian king Bade sound the signal: and, in firm array, His mighty force moved on. The Medes, meantime, For combat harnessed, toward the kindling east In reverence looking, yet awhile stood mute; The god to wait, whose tresses, flaming bright, Above the horizon's brim already waved. But, when his burning forehead he 'gan lift, Then every knee was bent; and every voice, With softened tone, in words like these, began: