And paid them back their debt twice told'Twas then the elder Nero cameTo conflict, and in ruin roll'dStout Raetian kernes of giant frame.O, 'twas a gallant sight to seeThe shocks that beat upon the braveWho chose to perish and be free!As south winds scourge the rebel waveWhen through rent clouds the Pleiads weep,So keen his force to smite, and smiteThe foe, or make his charger leapThrough the red furnace of the fight.Thus Daunia's ancient river fares,Proud Aufidus, with bull-like horn,When swoln with choler he preparesA deluge for the fields of corn.So Claudius charged and overthrewThe grim barbarian's mail-clad host,The foremost and the hindmost slew,And conquer'd all, and nothing lost.