Commanded; and boldly led on down the perilous pathway.

The footing, firm-fettered by frost chains and ice, did not hinder

At first, but lay silent, the kindly cold masking its grimness;

But, after the squadrons of cavalry shattered the clouds, bound

By ice, and the trembling steeds crushed in the mail of the rivers,

Then, melted the snows! And soon torrents newborn, from the
heights of

The mountains rush down: but these also, as if by commandment

Grow rigid, and, turn into ice, in their headlong rush downwards!

Now, that which rushed madly a moment before, must be hacked
through!

But now, it was treacherous, baffling their steps and their footing

Deceiving; and men, horses, arms, fall in heaps, in confusion.

And see! Now the clouds, by an icy gale smitten, their burden

Discharge! Lo! the gusts of the whirlwind swirl fiercely
about them;